IPL strugglers Punjab Kings will conclude the season sans their ace all-rounder Liam Livingstone as the Englishman on Monday returned home to undergo a knee recuperation ahead of next month's T20 World Cup. Thus, PBKS will be without Livingstone for their last two matches of the tournament against Rajasthan Royals (May 15) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 19).
The Punjab Kings have been eliminated from the ongoing IPL season after managing just four wins from 12 matches. They are currently at the bottom of the table with eight points.
"IPL done for another year, had to get my knee sorted for the upcoming World Cup," Livingstone wrote on his Instagram wall.
"Thanks once again to the Punjab Kings fans for all their love and support. Disappointing season as a team and personally, but as always, I loved every minute of playing in the IPL," he added.
The injury is not of serious nature but the England management, as per ESPNCricinfo, decided to give him more time to get it treated prior to their home T20I series against Pakistan, beginning on May 22.
Livingstone had a lean IPL this season, scoring 111 runs from seven matches and took just three wickets.
Meanwhile, other England players in the IPL who are part of their World Cup squad Moeen Ali (CSK), Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow (PBKS), Jos Buttler (RR), Will Jacks, Reece Topley (RCB) and Phil Salt (KKR) will be home-bound the coming weekend.
- With PTI inputs
