Peter Siddle and Samit Patel have been ruled out of this summer’s T20 Blast after breaching ECB regulations tied to their involvement in an event that was not formally sanctioned. The development follows their participation in the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa earlier in the year, a tournament that was branded as “disapproved cricket” because it lacked support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Quick facts
- Peter Siddle and Samit Patel are ruled out of this year’s T20 Blast.
- The ECB action stems from their participation in the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa (January–February).
- The ECB’s domestic-season window means players involved in such events within 12 months are barred from county competitions.
- Siddle, 41, was set to be an overseas signing for Nottinghamshire, but that arrangement has been cancelled.
- Patel, 41, has accepted the ECB directive and will not play the Blast.
- Patel’s absence ends a record run: he is one of only two players to have appeared in every T20 Blast edition since 2003, alongside Ravi Bopara.
Under ECB rules, a cricketer who has taken part in an event falling under that category within the 12-month period surrounding the domestic season is not eligible for county cricket. Siddle, aged 41, had been expected to join Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club as an overseas player, but the county has now scrapped the move.
Nottinghamshire confirmed the change on Tuesday, pointing to “personal circumstances” in explaining why the agreement has been withdrawn. Director of cricket Mick Newell acknowledged the impact of the call, saying the county were “naturally disappointed” and that they will move quickly to identify a replacement.
The county have already strengthened their squad with signings including Benny Howell and George Munsey. Even so, there is uncertainty around another overseas option as well: George Linde could also be unavailable at the start of the tournament.
Linde is currently with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. If the franchise makes it through to the playoffs, he may miss the opening fixtures in the Blast, adding another layer of complexity to Nottinghamshire’s overseas planning.
Patel’s ECB ban is final
Patel’s situation is described as more definite. The 41-year-old all-rounder, who has been without a county contract since leaving Derbyshire County Cricket Club after last season, confirmed that he has accepted the ECB directive and has given up any hopes of featuring in this year’s T20 Blast.
Patel’s absence also brings an end to a standout consistency. Along with Ravi Bopara, he is one of just two players to have taken part in every edition of the T20 Blast since the competition began in 2003. Neither will appear this season, with Bopara already stepping away from county cricket last month to focus on coaching and media commitments.
