IPL 2023: Liam Livingstone still not 100% fit, to join Punjab squad in mid-April

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have got their IPL 2023 campaign off to a great start winning back-to-back matches against Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. Led by a new captain Shikhar Dhawan, PBKS batters put up clinical performances in both games and posted totals in excess of 190 on both occasions.

Despite having a great start on the field, PBKS management has a reason to worry as the arrival of Liam Livingstone in India has been delayed. The PBKS management is unsure about when exactly will the English all-rounder join the side. 

According to a Cricbuzz report, the 29-year-old could take more than a week to join the team and is expected to arrive in India during mid-April. Livingstone has not regained his fitness yet and has been working on it with his LCCC (Lancashire County Cricket Club) teammates. He has not played competitive cricket since December as he’s been having problems with his knee and ankle.

"He's due to arrive mid-April. He is still working through his rehab on the injury. He is currently working on his rehab at Old Trafford. He will be in India around April 15, the dates are fluid," an ECB official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Despite not being with the side, Livingstone has been extending his support to PBKS through social media posts. However, the management would want the swashbuckling batter to join the team as early as possible. Punjab Kings acquired his services for INR 11.50 crore at the 2023 auction mini-auction and will be hoping that the English cricketer contributes with his all round abilities in the upcoming season.

Punjab claim second spot on the points table

Livingstone said he is hoping for medical clearance in the next couple of days to fly to India. "Looking forward to a good IPL season," the all-rounder said on Sky Sports which indicates he could arrive before the 15th of this month.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings are ranked second on the points table having won both of their first two games. They defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 runs (DLS method) and further won against Rajasthan Royals by five runs. The Shikhar Dhawan-led side will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.