Rajasthan Royals sign World Number 1 T20I bowler for IPL 2021

Rajasthan Royals have signed world number one T20I bowler Tabraiz Shamsi for the UAE leg of IPL 2021 as a replacement of Australia fast bowler Andrew Tye, who pulled out of the tournament as he wanted to spend more time with his family following a lengthy season.

Announcing the news, Rajasthan Royals wrote on social media, “The world’s No.1 T20I bowler will represent the Royals in UAE. Shamsi is the Royals’ second replacement signing for the remainder of #IPL2021, replacing AJ Tye.” Shamsi has picked up 45 wickets in 39 T20Is, along with 32 wickets in 27 ODIs for South Africa. Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler are among other major players of Rajasthan Royals who will not be participating in the second session of the cash rich league, while Ben Stokes’ decision remains uncertain. In a statement earlier, Andrew Tye had said, “It is with great regret that I have to pull out of the remainder of the IPL 2021 with the Rajasthan Royals.”

“It has been a long year for me which has kept me away from home for a lengthy period, and the disappointment of not making it to the World Cup squad has added to the dismay. Therefore, keeping my best interests in mind, I had to make this tough decision of staying at home and preparing myself mentally and physically for next year’s T20 World Cup. I am gutted that I won’t be able to rejoin the Royals family this year, but like all the fans out there, I will be cheering the team on.”