Big names withdraw from Big Bash’s bubble

Marred with Covid-19 positive cases, the eleventh edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) has endured a lot. The quality of the league has suffered, owing to the mass withdrawal of the players.


Joining the list of withdrawers, James Pattinson, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Shadab Khan will no longer be seen playing for their respective clubs in the ongoing BBL season. 


Melbourne Renegades’ Pattinson decided to take a break to manage his body and focus on playing Sheffield Shield for his domestic side Victoria. Considering his fitness, the pacer announced his Test retirement last year. 


Meanwhile, Nabi left early and returned back home due to personal reasons. The Afghan all-rounder will be seen in action for his national side in the three-match ODI series against the Netherlands, starting from 21st January.


Both the cricketers held important spots in Melbourne Renegades lineup but struggled with form in BBL 11. While Pattinson claimed three scalps in six matches, Nabi scored mere 36 runs at an underwhelming strike-rate of 76.59 and took 3 wickets.


Following the withdrawals, the Renegades have included Cameron Boyce in their squad for the match against Sydney Sixers, scheduled on January 11. The leg-spinner is not a regular feature in the T20 format. A calf injury hit him on the eve of this season. In a total of 76 BBL matches, Boyce has taken 79 wickets at an economy of 7.65.


With only four league matches remaining for Melbourne Renegades, it would take a herculean effort from the franchise to reach the playoffs. They are currently placed in the sixth spot on the points table with 15 points in 10 matches.


Meanwhile, Adelaide Strikers’ Rashid is expected to leave for national duty with Afghanistan scheduled to play against the Netherlands later this month.


"I'm not sure about how many games I will play but probably two more games and then I go back for the national duties. That is still not confirmed because of the COVID situation at the moment in Holland," Rashid was quoted as saying to Fox Cricket.


"If the team leave from Holland and they can reach Qatar on time then we will be able to continue but I think at the moment they're still not sure. If that series gets cancelled, I can stay to the end (of the BBL)," he added.


With PSL starting from January 28, Sydney Sixers' Shadab Khan is forced to leave early. The all-rounder will play his final game of the season tomorrow.

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SA vs IND | 3rd Test | Preview: With captain Kohli back, can India finally conquer Proteas?

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