Pace sensation Umran Malik has been excluded from participating in the forthcoming 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to an injury. Consequently, the fast bowler will not be available for the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Previously, Umran Malik was acquired by the franchise for INR 75 lakh.

In light of this development, the franchise has appointed Chetan Sakariya as Malik's replacement. Sakariya has represented India in one ODI and two T20 internationals, and he has played 19 matches in the IPL, taking 20 wickets.

Before the mega auction, SunRisers Hyderabad chose not to retain Umran Malik, allowing him to enter the auction pool.

Umran Malik had previously expressed his enthusiasm about joining KKR and collaborating with bowling coach Bharat Arun. 

"I am truly delighted to join KKR this season. I am incredibly excited to wear the KKR jersey. I can hardly wait. As the defending champions, I am confident they will secure another title this season. I am thankful for the opportunity they have given me," Umran stated in an interview with the Times of India.

“I am optimistic about receiving numerous opportunities this time with KKR. I am fully fit and eager to perform. You will witness a different Umran Malik this season. My goal is to excel in the IPL and make a return to the Indian team. The IPL has been a significant platform for many cricketers, including myself,” he added.

Umran Malik gained recognition during the 2022 IPL season with SunRisers Hyderabad, consistently achieving speeds exceeding 150 km/h. This impressive performance also led to his debut for India in the T20 format.

KKR to begin season on March 22

The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 22, featuring the inaugural match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

For this season, KKR has appointed Dwayne Bravo as their mentor and Otis Gibson as the assistant coach.

The championship match of the 18th edition of the tournament is scheduled for May 25, 2025, at Eden Gardens.

The first double-header will occur on March 23, with SunRisers Hyderabad facing Rajasthan Royals in the afternoon match, followed by an evening clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

KKR's roster includes: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Anrich Nortje, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, and Chetan Sakariya.

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