IPL 2023: Michael Bracewell joins RCB, BCCI confirms

MumbaiRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have included New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell in their men’s squad for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed this on Saturday. The franchise has called Bracewell in place of England’s right-arm all-rounder Will Jacks. Notably, Jacques, who was signed by RCB for Rs 3.2 crore, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.

Kiwi all-rounder Bracewell will join RCB at a base price of Rs 1 crore. Bracewell has so far played seven Tests, 19 ODIs and 16 T20 Internationals in his career. New Zealand have released Bracewell from the ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting on 25 March. Keeping in mind the ODI World Cup to be held on Indian soil in October-November, the experience of playing in the IPL for the first time will be important for Bracewell.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said, “Michael has been a key player in our team since his debut. It is exciting to get a chance to learn from him in the IPL, especially as a spin-all-rounder. Keeping in mind the World Cup to be held in India this year, it is good for the players to get as much experience as possible.”

Bracewell is RCB’s eighth overseas player after Faf du Plessis, Josh Hazlewood, Finn Allen, Wanindu Hasaranga, Glenn Maxwell, Reece Topley and David Willey. The IPL will begin on March 31 with a match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. RCB have to start their campaign on April 2 against Mumbai Indians.