Follow UsEngland all-rounder Liam Livingstone has left India in advance in a bid to be fit for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the US and West Indies, starting June 1. Livingstone, who was part of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), is still not 100% fit after he injured his knee during the game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) last month and wants to get his knee "sorted" ahead of the marquee event.
However, he returned to the XI in the loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 9 (Thursday). The knee injury is not serious but needs a period of rest for it to heal in time. PBKS are out of contention for a place in the playoffs, having won just four of their 12 games so far.
"IPL done for another year, had to get my knee sorted for the upcoming World Cup," Livingstone wrote on Instagram.
"Thanks once again to the Punjab Kings fans for all their love and support. Disappointing season as a team and personally, but as always, I loved every minute of playing in the IPL"
Livingstone had a lukewarm IPL 2024, that saw him score just 111 runs at 22.20 and managed to strike just thrice in 12 overs.
England play four T20 Internationals (T20I) against Pakistan between May 22 and 30 in the lead-up to the World Cup. The English contingent comprising Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Phil Salt, and Reece Topley are expected to join the rest of the squad in Leeds next weekend, ahead of the first T20I.
England begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland on June 4. They will also face Australia, Oman, and Namibia in the round-robin stage.
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