Pravin Tambe will not be eligible to play in the IPL after featuring in the T10 League in Dubai.
The veteran spinner had become the oldest player to be bought at the IPL Auction when Kolkata Knight Riders paid the base rate of INR 20 Lakh for him.
However, it has now been revealed that he won’t be able to play in the coming campaign after breaching BCCI policies. He featured in a foreign league without officially announcing his retirement. It means KKR will have to do without the 48-year-old after his ineligibility was confirmed by new IPL chairman Brijesh Patel.
Tambe absence hits KKR preparations
Tambe had been due to bring his experience to the KKR line-up. He has previously made 33 appearances in the IPL between 2013 and 2016.
He has played for Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Lions and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past and bagged 28 wickets.
A spokesman from the BCCI said: “BCCI rules strictly say that an Indian player has to be exclusively playing in the IPL or he has to stay away from the cash-rich league and participate in other leagues across the globe. To have sent in his name for the T10 draft and now to also be a part of the IPL is clearly against the BCCI protocol. So, he can't play.”
The BCCI will allow KKR to pick a replacement if they decide they need one. It is not yet known if they will do that.
Tambe’s loss if a second blow for KKR ahead of the new campaign. They are already missing Chris Green for the start of IPL 2020 after he was banned by Cricket Australia for 90 days for having a suspect action.
He is still allowed to bowl in the IPL but it is unlikely he will be able to take part until he has served his Cricket Australia ban.
