Veteran Indian bowler Zaheer Khan set to miss IPL 2018

The Indian Premier League is fast approaching and the excitement among the fans is increasing manifold. The auction is just three days away and all the players would have their fingers crossed. Bagging an IPL deal is an excellent option for any player both exposure wise and financially too as they take part in this extravaganza.

After shortlisting 1122 players, 578 players are set to go under the hammer. However, former left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan pulled out the coveted league. The former bowler captained Delhi Daredevils in the last two seasons. However, he chose not to play this season as he looks to join the commentary panel.

Done with the playing days

Zaheer had retired from international cricket in October 2015 but continued playing in the IPL as recent as the 2017 edition which did not end all too well for the Daredevils. It is learnt that he has signed up for a commentary stint with the IPL broadcasters for this season. Zaheer was struggling with injuries even during the last IPL including an injuryto his hamstring halfway through the previous season.

Zaheer Khan decided to end his playing days. A source close to Zaheer told mid-day: “He didn’t feel like being part of the IPL anymore. He has played a lot of cricket and seemed quite content with his achievements. He felt commentary would be a different experience for the IPL and that is why he has opted for it.”

Zaheer decided to do the commentary for IPL 2018. Although he looked set for another season, it now seems that he has a change of plans. “He was working on regaining his fitness since the last few months. It was obvious that he had IPL-11 on the mind. We knew he was training for that,” the source said. He also rejected the Consultant Role for team India in order to play IPL keeping the conflict of interests in mind.

In September last year, Harsha Bhogle dropped a hint Zaheer could play another IPL season during the fifth ODI between India and Sri Lanka. Zaheer was a part of commentary panel back then. He hit the gym as it was raining. Zaheer only smiled back at Bhogle. Zaheer did not respond to a text message sent in context with this year’s IPL. It would be an interesting second innings for Zaheer as a commentator in the IPL. He had earlier done commentary for the India matches.

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