Australian captain Steve Smith had earlier confirmed his participation in the Indian Premier League 2023 claiming that he was going to join ‘an exceptional and passionate team in India’. However, the veteran batter is all set to make his commentary debut and will be joining the other experts for the upcoming edition of the tournament as well.
Smith last played an IPL match in the 2021 edition when he played for the Delhi Capitals. Having played nine editions of the cash-rich league, the experienced batter has played 103 games and scored 2485 runs, with his highest score being 101. But he went unsold in the IPL 2022 mega auction and hence won’t be a part of the tournament.
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“Steve Smith has joined the expert panel for the marquee tournament. Smith will be making his broadcast debut with Star Sports, adding his invaluable insights and expertise to Star Sports’ already impressive roster of panelists,” the broadcaster said in an official statement.
One more incredible ⭐ has been added to our team of experts and we’re proud to welcome @stevesmith49 to the Incredible Star Cast 🥳
Tune-in to #IPLonStar on Mar 31 | Broadcast starts at 5 PM & LIVE match at 7:30 PM#ShorOn #GameOn #BetterTogether https://t.co/v1C9OLfaac pic.twitter.com/2YnpFxZmcs
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 28, 2023
However, Steve Smith opted out of the IPL 2023 mini-auction that took place in December 2022. Before being a part of the Delhi Capitals in 2021, Smith used to play for Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and now-defunct franchises Rising Pune Supergiant, Pune Warriors India, and Kochi Tuskers Kerala as well.
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The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League will begin on March 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as defending champions Gujarat Titans play against four-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the curtain raiser. The tournament will see a total of 70 games in the league stage, which will be followed by an Eliminator, two Qualifiers, and the summit clash as well.
