Rajasthan Royals Coach Andrew McDonald To Miss England Tour To Fulfill IPL Commitment

Australia tour of England, which was under much speculation, was confirmed to go ahead in September by the  England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The series will comprise of three T20Is and as many ODIs and will be played in the entire month of September, marking the return for Australia in international cricket.

However, senior Australia assistant coach Andrew McDonald will not be able to be a part of the national team during the tour, as he is already committed to be a part of the Rajasthan Royals franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 as their head cocah. McDonald had replaced Paddy Upton in the position.

“Australian men’s team Senior Assistant Coach Andrew McDonald will not travel with the squad to the UK to fulfill a pre-existing commitment as Head Coach of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Rajasthan Royals are set to depart for the IPL 2020 in UAE after August 20. McDonald will only resume his duty with after the completion of the entire season of the IPL.

With the lucrative tournament coinciding the IPL 2020, players like David Warner, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins are expected to miss the first week of the IPl 2020 due to the SOPs.