Due to increasing international cricket commitments England all-rounder Liam Livingstone has withdrawn from the 12th season of the Big Bash League (BBL).
“The Melbourne Renegades can confirm Liam Livingstone has withdrawn from BBL|12,” the statement said.
In the recent T20 World Cup Livingstone was a part of the team and seeing his performance Livingstone was selected by the Renegades.
Meanwhile, Livingstone was added to England’s Test squad for a series in December and in his, Andre Russell has been signed for the first four matches of the BBL.
“We are obviously disappointed that we would not have Liam as part of our team this summer, but we understand his decision,” Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, said.
“Liam is a fantastic cricketer and there’s a reason we used our first pick in the draft to select him. Since then, his schedule has changed with added international duties and we wish him the best as he pushes for a Test debut,” Rosengarten said.
Rosengarten further added, “We know Liam had been looking forward to working with our head coach, David Saker, and playing for our club. Hopefully, we can make that happen in the coming seasons.”
“We have been in regular communication with Liam and his management over the last couple of months, which has allowed us to execute a plan that is best for the Renegades for this season,” Rosengarten said.
Rosengarten stated, “We have already secured Andre Russell for the first four matches and know the match-winning ability he will add to our team.”
“This news has allowed us to explore replacement options with greater availability beyond the first half of the tournament, and we look forward to being able to announce another big-name addition for the Renegades soon,” Rosengarten concluded.
Moreover, BBL 12 campaign will begin on 15 December against the Brisbane Heat in Cairns.
However, the squad for BBL 12 so far is Nic Maddinson (C), Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Mackenzie Harvey, Akeal Hosein, Ruwantha Kellapotha, Shaun Marsh, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Will Sutherland, Mujeeb Ur Rahman*, Jon Wells.