After a long winter, Atkinson has pulled out of the 2024 IPL with the ECB managing his schedule.
Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Sri Lanka fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera to replace Gus Atkinson. Atkinson was bought by the franchise for INR 1 crore (approx. USD 120,000) at the IPL 2024 auction in December last year.
For his base price of INR 50 lakh (approx. USD 60,000), Chameera, who was not sold at the auction, will now join KKR. He is also a former member of India's national cricket team and has been a member of India's national team. Chameera can bowl at speeds in excess of 140km/h. In his most recent T20 match, he took 2 wickets for 20 runs in his four overs for Dubai Capitals against Abu Dhabi, the UAE affiliate of Knight Riders in the ILT20.
Atkinson, a 26-year-old fast bowler from England, was all set to make his IPL debut but has pulled out of the tournament with the ECB managing his schedule after a long winter break. Atkinson played three matches for England at the World Cup in India, followed by a white-ball tour of the Caribbean in December, before returning to India for England's ongoing Test series.
Chameera has played 12 IPL matches. He has taken nine wickets at an economy rate of 8.73. Apart from Chameera, Mitchell Starc is the only other overseas frontline fast bowler in the Knight Riders squad. Starc was auctioned for a record INR 24.75 crore (approx. USD 2.98 million).
The IPL 2024 schedule is likely to be announced after the Election Commission finalises the dates for India's general election, but is expected to take place between 22 March and the end of May.