5 international cricketers who never played an IPL game

The Indian Premier League has had participation from some of the best players in the world. It is an excellent platform for cricketers to hone their skills in the shortest format of the game. But to everyone’s surprise, some of the best players across the world go unsold at the auction table. This article talks about some of the best in the business who could not get that opportunity owing to various reasons.

5. Joe Root

Joe Root was one of the top run-scorers of the 2016 T20 World Cup. He played a pivotal role in England reaching the finals. He gave his name in the 2018 Mega Auctions, but unfortunately for him, there were no takers. Joe Root, the T20 batsman, is still not convincing for many even as he has lost his place from England’s team in the shortest format as well.

4. Stuart Broad

Broad is one of England’s top wicket-takers in t20is, with 65 wickets from 56 games at an economy rate of just over 7. He was purchased by Kings XI Punjab in 2011 but he couldn’t play a single game due to injury concerns. He hasn’t played the shortest format since 2014 and last played a limited-overs game in 2016.

3. Adil Rashid

Rashid started playing T20 cricket in 2008. The 31-year-old has played 167 T20 games in his career, taking 189 wickets at an economy rate of 7.42. He has taken five 4-wicket hauls in T20 cricket. He could have been a handy pick considering how important spinners are in the middle overs during the IPL. But somehow, the franchises are still not convinced with his abilities it seems.

2. Graeme Swann

Swann had a major role to play in defeating India at home in 2012. He has 51 wickets from 39 games at an economy rate of 6.36. Besides, he was an extremely useful lower-order batsman. Teams lacking good quality overseas spinners could have made use of his services when he was active as a player.

1. Tamim Iqbal

Iqbal got picked by the now-defunct franchise Pune Warriors India, but never got a chance to start in the playing XI. He has played over 170 T20 games and is an experienced customer in the format. He used to be an inconsistent batsman, but he has vastly improved now.