New details have emerged as to why Aussie cricket star Peter Siddle has been withdrawn from the T20 Blast – England’s premier Twenty20 competition. The 41-year-old Siddle was due to play for Nottinghamshire in this year’s tournament, but the team announced this week he’ll no longer be taking part.
Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell said in a statement: “We’re naturally disappointed that Peter won’t be able to join us this summer, as we were looking forward to having a player of his calibre and experience as part of our T20 squad. We’ll now focus our efforts on securing the services of a replacement for this summer’s competition.”
Peter Siddle has become a T20 specialist (L) since retiring from Test cricket (R). Image: Getty
The situation took a new twist on Wednesday when ESPNcricinfo revealed that Siddle has actually been blocked from playing by the England Cricket Board (ECB). Siddle played in the World Legends Pro T20 League in January and February – a tournament in India featuring retired and veteran players.
The tournament isn’t officially sanctioned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is the root of the problem. Under ECB rules, players are ineligible to play in domestic competitions in England if they’ve taken part in any “disapproved cricket” in the 12 months prior.
Because the World Legends Pro T20 League isn’t officially sanctioned by the BCCI, it falls into the category of “disapproved cricket”. English all-rounder Samit Patel has been blocked from the T20 Blast for the same reason as Siddle.
Peter Siddle’s success in T20 cricket
Siddle played 67 Tests for Australia, taking 221 wickets. He also featured in 20 one-day internationals and two T20 internationals before retiring from international cricket in 2019.
Peter Siddle in action for Melbourne Stars in the BBL.
(Getty Images)
In recent years he’s become a white-ball specialist in franchise leagues. The 41-year-old has played the last two BBL seasons with the Melbourne Stars, winding back the clock to his glory days.
He’s currently playing for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, teaming up with fellow Aussie star Steve Smith. He previously played for Essex and Somerset in the T20 Blast, and the Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers in the BBL.