Injured Bairstow ruled out of IPL, Punjab Kings name Matthew Short as replacement

NEW DELHI: In a major blow for Punjab Kings (PBKS), England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow has been ruled out of the upcoming IPL 2023 after failing to recover from his injury, the franchise confirmed on Saturday. The Punjab based franchise have named uncapped Australian batter Matthew Short as Bairstow’s replacement for the 2023 season. It will be Short’s maiden IPL experience.

“We regret to inform you that Jonny Bairstow will not be a part of the IPL this season because of his injury. We wish him the best and look forward to seeing him next season,” the PBKS said in a tweet.

After sustaining multiple fractures following a freak slip on the golf course in September 2022, Bairstow has missed England’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign and the following Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand and others as well. IANS