Joshua Little to miss Bangladesh and Sri Lanka series due to franchise commitments

Joshua Little in action [Source: Twitter]

In what could be a significant blow to Ireland, ace seamer Joshua Little is set to miss the upcoming tours of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka due to franchise league commitments. 

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie confirmed that Little wouldn't travel with the national side for these two series and would participate in the IPL and PSL in that period. 

However, the veteran opener clarified that the bowler would join the national setup for their Super League clash against Bangladesh in May. 

Here's what Balbirnie told Cricbuzz

"Josh had an amazing 12 to 18 months and that is shown getting picked up in the South African League, in the IPL and the PSL and these opportunities are incredible. He is not going to come here and play in the Bangladesh tour and he is not going to Sri Lanka for the Test tour. But he will be back for Super League games against Bangladesh in May."

The 32-year-old also explained how Little's participation in the lucrative IPL indicates the remarkable growth of Irish cricket. 

"His opportunity to play in the IPL is really too good for him to turn down and it only helps Irish cricket I think that exposure. If he has a good IPL or PSL then those competitions will say well Ireland cricket must be going in the right direction."

Balbirnie is currently representing the Khulna Tigers in the Bangladesh Premier League. His next assignment will be Ireland's much-awaited tour of Bangladesh, where the visitors will play three ODIs, T20Is and one Test. 

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