Rayudu, Muzarabani end CPL stints with Patriots after three games

Howell and Smeed to join Patriots; Brathwaite called up by Royals as temporary replacement for Ferreira

31-Aug-2023

Ambati Rayudu could only score 47 runs in three innings at the CPL  •  CPL T20 via Getty Images

Ambati Rayudu's CPL stint with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots has ended after three matches for what the tournament organisers called "personal reasons". Rayudu himself, however, clarified that he had committed to play in the CPL only till August 28 as he "had prior commitments".

Rayudu played three innings for Patriots in the ongoing edition, scoring 47 runs at 15.66 and a strike rate of 117.50. His scores in his three innings were 0, 32 and 15.

I have agreed to play in the cpl only till the 28 th of August as I have had prior commitments.. so as stated in the media I have not pulled out but finished my agreement.. thank you @CPL and @sknpatriots
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) September 1, 2023

Rayudu was signed up as a marquee player by Patriots, making him just the second Indian to play in the men's CPL after Pravin Tambe. He had earlier in 2023 retired from international and Indian cricket after helping Chennai Super Kings to a fifth IPL title.

Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has also left the tournament for personal reasons. Muzarabani played three games for Patriots and picked up one wicket at 69 with an economy of 10.61.

The English duo of fast bowler Benny Howell and top-order batter Will Smeed have been called up to replace Rayudu and Muzarabani in the Patriots squad.

Patriots are the only team in the competition without a win in six matches. Since their opening two fixtures were abandoned because of rain, they have lost each of their four games.

Brathwaite replaces Ferreira at Barbados Royals

Meanwhile, Carlos Brathwaite has been called up by Barbados Royals as a temporary replacement for wicketkeeper-batter Donovan Ferreira. Ferreira has been included in South Africa's 16-member squad for their home T20I series against Australia. He is expected to return after his national duties are over.

Ferreira played only one game for Royals in CPL 2023, in which he scored 19 runs. Brathwaite has played 77 CPL matches for four teams and this will be his first stint with Royals. He has scored 822 runs at 16.11 and picked up 59 wickets at 30.15. This is the first time he will be part of the CPL since the 2021 edition.

The story was updated after Ambati Rayudu's social-media statement.

Ambati Rayudu Blessing Muzarabani Benny Howell Will Smeed Carlos Brathwaite Donovan Ferreira St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Barbados Royals West Indies Caribbean Premier League