Punjab Kings will miss the services of England all-rounder Liam Livingstone in their opening match of the IPL 2023.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Shikhar Dhawan-led side will open their campaign by taking on Kolkata Knight Riders at home on April 1. However, Livingstone won't be able to reach Mohali in time for that game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to a Cricbuzz report, an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) official has confirmed that the 29-year old cricketer, who was on an off-season tour to Dubai, will reach India next week, likely before their second game against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on April 5.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Wednesday, Livingstone posted an image of his practice session at Old Trafford, Manchester.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Livingstone, who is a key member of the Kings squad for his all-round abilities, has not played competitive cricket since picking up the knee injury on his Test debut in Pakistan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His absence will increase the the problems for coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Dhawan as the team is already without wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, who has been ruled out of the season, and Kagiso Rabada, who is only arriving in India on April 3 due to his international commitments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n