Kolkata Knight Riders’ opening batsman Jason Roy decided to opt out of the upcoming IPL 2024 season. He was retained by KKR after his stellar performances in the IPL last year. So why did he take it out?
England’s opening batsman Jason Roy has decided to stay away from the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He was to play for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who had retained him after his stellar performance last season.
Last IPL 2023 season, Roy scored 285 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 151.59 and had two half-centuries.
Interestingly, Roy is currently playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with his team Quetta Gladiators. And has reached the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
Roy has said that the reason for not going to the IPL is that he wants to spend time with his family after being away for a long time. The cricketer has a busy schedule awaiting him due to participation in The Hundred and other T20 leagues.
“After much consideration, I have made the tough decision to miss this year’s IPL. Having been away since the start of journey. I need to get back to my family and have a refresh before a very busy year ahead”.
“I will be supporting my friends and teammates at KKR throughout the tournament and wish them the best of luck,” Roy said.
This is the third time in four years that Roy has been out of the cash-rich league. He previously did so in IPL 2020 and 2022 when he was selected by Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans respectively.
KKR have picked a capable and in-form player to replace Jason Roy and he is England cricketer Phil Salt. Who scored back-to-back centuries against West Indies within four days of going unsold in the December 2023 auction Were.