2 Star Australia cricketers opt out of IPL 2019

With a view to prepare for the 2019 world cup, star Australian cricketers Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell have decided to opt out of the 2019 season of Indian Premier League.

Maxwell and Finch decide not to participate in IPL auctions 

Glenn Maxwell played for Delhi Daredevils in 2018 in the IPL. The franchise paid a whopping INR 9 crores for his services while Aaron Finch was bought by Kings XI Punjab for INR 6.2 crores. Both the players were released by their respective franchises ahead of the auctions for 2019.

Both Maxwell and Finch haven’t registered their name for the IPL auctions which will take place on 18th December.

Maxwell and Finch have chosen not to enter the IPL auction, keeping in mind Australia's packed schedule over the first half of 2019 https://t.co/kg4r8KVLlC

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 5, 2018

Maxwell and Finch crucial for Australia 

The two cricketers are highly crucial to the Australian team especially after Steve Smith and David Warner receiving one year ban for their involvement in ball tampering issue.

Aaron Finch is a solid batsman and is known for his consistent starts at the top of the order. In the absence of senior players, the right-hand batsman is leading the team in the white-ball format.

Maxwell’s explosive batting has proved to be the X-factor for Australia on several occasions in the past. His ability to play the big shots from the word go will be crucial especially on England’s flat wickets. Plus, his ability to bowl off-spin and his terrific fielding skills are an added advantage.

Several players might miss IPL for world cup

The 2019 world cup will start on May 30th in England which means several key players might miss IPL as the T20 tournament will be played just a few months prior to the world cup.

Also read: Indian opener likely to return for Boxing Day Test: Shastri 

The cricket boards of Australia and England have already made it clear that their players won’t participate in the final stages of IPL.

Indian captain Virat Kohli too asked the BCCI to rest pace bowlers from playing in IPL