For IPL 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders bought Pravin Tambe in the auction at his basic price of 20 Lakhs. But now BCCI has confirmed that he is “not eligible” to play the forthcoming season.

He Has Taken 28 Wickets In 33 Matches:

At the age of 41, Tambe made his debut in 2013. He has taken 28 wickets in all IPL editions by playing 33 matches so far. In the history of the Indian Premier League, Tambe would have achieved an important lead in the list of oldest cricket players to have played, but now that won’t happen.

In four matches, he picked at an average of 8.25, at an economy rate of 9.20, and a strike rate of 5.3 for Sindhis. In the T10 league, Tambe finished his role as its sixth-highest wicket-taker.

The leg-spinner, who was involved in the recently ended T10 League in Sharjah, worked against him. According to the BCCI policy, the active players taking part in T10 or T20 tournaments organized by a different board can’t participate in those tournaments which are organized by BCCI. Only the retired players can take part in these tournaments. But Tambe violated this policy and take part in the overseas T10 league without announcing his official retirement. Now he has no other option than to miss the IPL 2020.

The IPL chairman Brijesh Patel opened up in an interview on why Tambe can’t be allowed to play in IPL 2020. He also differentiated between the rules & regulations for allowing players across all formats in a foreign league.

“Pravin Tambe won’t be allowed to play IPL. If he permitted to allow, then we have to allow everyone.  The board only gives permission to players to play in one day, three-day, four-day as well as country cricket and every player should have a no-objection certificate from BCCI and respective state association”. IPL chairman said.

I still play with a mindset like I am a 20-year-old young- Pravin Tambe:

“I still play with the mentality of a 20-year-old young man. I will bring my whole experience and full energy to the team. And that compatibility. I know I can bring it, even if I am not playing with them. I want to do well in any role given to me whether it is in fielding or bowling. 

“This is not to explain anything. I am very excited to play for them,” he told to the news agencies. It remains to be seen whether KKR has decided to bring in a replacement player for Tambe or not.