Another fast bowler from England has decided not to play in the IPL 2024 season. After Mark Wood, 26-year-old Gus Atkinson won’t be joining the league, which happens just before the T20 World Cup in June.
The IPL made an announcement that Gus Atkinson, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 1 crore, won’t be part of the tournament. They said that Dushmantha Chameera from Sri Lanka will take his place.
The IPL stated, “Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have chosen Dushmantha Chameera to replace England’s Gus Atkinson for the upcoming IPL 2024.” Chameera will join KKR for a price of INR 50 Lakh. He’s known for his speed and his ability to make batting difficult with his swing and seam movements. He played for Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore before joining Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 season.
No reason was given for Atkinson’s decision not to play, similar to Mark Wood’s situation. However, reports suggest that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) withdrew him to manage his workload before the ICC tournament.
Dushmantha Chameera will strengthen Kolkata Knight Riders, who already have impressive bowlers like Andre Russell and Mitchell Starc, whom they bought for a record price of Rs 24.75 crore. KKR competed with Gujarat Titans to secure Starc’s services.
Although KKR has added Chameera to their squad, it’s important to note that he’s currently injured. He got hurt during Sri Lanka’s first ODI match against Afghanistan. Sri Lanka’s team manager Mahinda Halangoda said, “He’s feeling better now, but we won’t know for sure the exact nature of his injury until we hear back from the specialist.”
Chameera was replaced by Binura Fernando in the T20I series against Afghanistan.