Peter Sidell and Samit Patel According to ESPNcricinfo, they were excluded from this summer’s T20 Blast due to breaching ECB rules regarding participation in unsanctioned tournaments earlier this year. Both players played in the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa in January and February, a tournament deemed “substandard cricket” as it does not have the support of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Under ECB rules, any cricketer who takes part in such an event within 12 months of the end of the domestic season will be banned from county competitions. Siddle, 41, was an overseas signing for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club during the bombings, but the deal has now been cancelled. The club confirmed the development on Tuesday, citing his “personal circumstances.” Director of Cricket Mick Newell admitted the decision was a setback and said Nottinghamshire were “naturally disappointed” and would now look for a replacement. The county have bolstered their squad with the likes of Benny Howell and George Muncy. However, they may also start the game without another overseas player in George Linde. Linde is currently tied with Lucknow Supergiants in the IPL and may miss the first game if the team advances to the playoffs. Meanwhile, the situation is clearer for Patel. The 41-year-old all-rounder, who has been out of contract with County since leaving Derby County Cricket Club last season, confirmed he had accepted instructions from the ECB and given up hope of playing in this year’s Blast. Patel’s absence marks the end of a remarkable streak. beside Ravi BoparaHe is one of only two players to have appeared in every edition of the T20 Blast since its inception in 2003. Neither will feature this season, with Bopara having retired from county cricket last month to focus on coaching and media work.
