England batsman Dawid Malan has opted out of the upcoming UAE-leg of the Indian Premier League 2021. To spend time with family before the T20 World Cup 2021 and the Ashes are the reasons he cited for his decision.

Punjab Kings (PKBS) have already announced Malan’s replacement in South African opener Aiden Markram, who is in good form in the recent games he played.

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“Ahead of the resumption of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League, Punjab Kings today announced the inclusion of South African cricketer Aiden Markram to the squad.

“Markram will replace Dawid Malan who is taking some time off to be with his family before the T20 World Cup and the Ashes Series,” PBKS announced on Saturday.

Malan along with Jonny Bairstow are the two English players who opted out of the IPL 2021 in the UAE. Their decision came on Saturday – a day after the fifth Test between England and India got cancelled. Bairstow would have played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the league.

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The England and India players were supposed to fly into UAE from Manchester together in a bubble to bubble transfer but Covid-19 cases in the visitors’ camp forced IPL teams to make their own arrangements.

The players coming to Dubai for the IPL were required to serve six-day quarantine and it is being understood the reason behind Malan and Bairstow’s decision.

England all-rounder Chris Woakes is also unlikely to turn up in the IPL 2021 keeping the bubble fatigue in mind. However, the confirmation on Woakes’ decision hasn’t arrived yet but he may join his countrymen in not featuring in the IPL 2021 this season.

The league will resume from September 19 with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings locking horns in Dubai.