Banned for playing in Goa! ECB blocks Peter Siddle, Samit Patel from T20 Blast
Cricket stars Peter Siddle and Samit Patel will miss this summer's T20 Blast. Both players are banned by ECB rules. They participated in an unsanctioned tournament in Goa earlier this year.
This means Siddle cannot play for Nottinghamshire. Patel's absence ends his T20 Blast streak. Ravi Bopara also won't play this season.
Peter Siddle and Samit Patel have been ruled out of this summer’s T20 Blast after falling foul of ECB regulations linked to their participation in an unsanctioned tournament earlier this year, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. Both players featured in the World Legends Pro T20 League held in Goa during January and February, a competition deemed “disapproved cricket” as it did not have the backing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Under ECB rules, any cricketer who has taken part in such events within 12 months of the domestic season is barred from county competitions.
Siddle, 41, had been lined up as an overseas signing for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the Blast, but the deal has now been scrapped. The club confirmed the development on Tuesday, citing his “personal circumstances”. Director of cricket Mick Newell admitted the decision was a setback, saying Nottinghamshire were “naturally disappointed” and would now seek a replacement.
The county had already bolstered their squad with additions like Benny Howell and George Munsey. However, they could also be without another overseas recruit, George Linde, at the start of the tournament. Linde is currently tied up with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and may miss the opening matches if the franchise progresses to the playoffs.