England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow is set to link up with the Mumbai Indians should the franchise secure a place in the play-off stages of the Indian Premier League.
Bairstow, 35, will replace fellow England international Will Jacks, who is expected to return home to feature in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, beginning on Thursday, 29 May. The clash of commitments has arisen due to the IPL’s recent rescheduling, prompted by political tensions between India and Pakistan, which saw the tournament paused and then resumed on Saturday.
The IPL play-offs are scheduled to commence on 29 May, with the final slated for Tuesday, 3 June. Mumbai Indians currently occupy the fourth and final qualifying spot with two league matches remaining, keeping their hopes of a knockout berth alive.
In preparation for potential absences due to international call-ups, the franchise has also recruited English fast bowler Richard Gleeson and Sri Lankan all-rounder Charith Asalanka. They replace South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch, both of whom are departing to fulfil national team duties ahead of the IPL’s concluding stages.
According to an IPL statement, Bairstow has been signed for ₹5.25 crore (approximately £458,000), while Gleeson joins for ₹1 crore (£87,000).
Yorkshire County Cricket Club confirmed Bairstow’s impending absence, stating that he will miss their next County Championship fixture against Nottinghamshire and possibly the opening two matches of the Vitality Blast, depending on Mumbai’s progression in the tournament.
“Whilst it is naturally disappointing to lose Jonny for the next few weeks, the opportunity for him to play in the final stages of the IPL at this stage in his career is huge,” said Gavin Hamilton, Yorkshire’s general manager of cricket.
“Jonny has been open with us around his desire to play in the IPL from our very first conversation with him, and we’d like to wish him the best of luck in the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming him back for the early stages of our Vitality Blast campaign.”
Bairstow’s potential return to the IPL comes as he seeks to maintain form and fitness ahead of a busy international summer for England, and it may provide a timely opportunity to assert his credentials on the global stage once more.