NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bangalore faced a major setback on Saturday as their English recruit Heather Knight opted out of the upcoming second season of the Women's Premier League (WPL), set to commence on February 23.
The Bengaluru-based franchise provided no specific reason for Knight's withdrawal. However, England cricketers participating in the WPL found themselves in a dilemma as committing to the latter stages of the T20 league might result in them missing their country's five-match T20I series in New Zealand.
Knight is the captain of England's women's team.
The WPL final is slated for March 17, while England's first T20I against New Zealand is scheduled for March 19 in Dunedin.
RCB has named South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk as replacement for Knight.
"England captain Heather Knight has pulled out of the upcoming season of the Women's Premier League 2024. The Royal Challengers Bangalore have named Nadine de Klerk as her replacement," the WPL said in a statement.
De Klerk, who bowls medium-fast and bats right-handed, has featured in 30 ODIs and 46 T20Is.
According to reports, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has told players involved in the WPL that they will not be considered for the first three T20Is in New Zealand if they stay in India till the end of the T20 league.
The ECB is expected to name the England squad next week.
Besides Knight, other players due to feature in WPL 2024 are: Alice Capsey (Delhi Capitals), Issy Wong and Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians), Kate Cross (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Sophie Ecclestone and Danni Wyatt (UP Warriorz).
Lauren Bell, who was due to play for UP Warriorz, pulled out of the WPL on Friday, saying her priority was preparation for the tour of New Zealand.
(With inputs from PTI)
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