South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has been ruled out from the next year’s 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, the 33-year-old said he is likely to return in June 2017 with the IPL set to be played in between April and May, that means he will miss the franchise-based T20 league.
Having undergone shoulder surgery last month, the pacer wants to give himself a long break and make sure he is completely fit before stepping into the ground.
The Proteas star, who is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of his generation – appeared in just one game in IPL 2016 as his side, Gujarat Lions, preferred West Indies’ Dwayne Bravo and Australia’s James Faulkner.
With the ICC Champions Trophy gets underway on June 1, it’ll remain to be seen if Steyn makes himself available for the completion as South Africa aim to claim their first ICC tournament since 1998.
