IPL 2023: Jofra Archer Available for the Whole Season

In a big development, Mumbai Indians overseas recruit Jofra Archer will be available for the whole season of the IPL 2023, after missing out on the last two editions of the cash-rich league due to injuries, a source close to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said. However, it is still unlikely that he will take part in all the games of the upcoming edition. The IPL 2023 is just a few weeks away and ahead of the mega tournament, MI has received happy news about Jofra Archer returning to his full fitness and being available for the whole tournament.

Archer, who missed almost 18 months of cricket due to injury concerns, is most likely to take part for the entire season. Having recently made his comeback to competitive cricket in the SA20 league while playing for MI Cape Town, Archer impressed one and all with his bowling. He was able to generate the pace he’s known for and earned rewards for that.

IPL 2023: ECB Confirms Archer’s Availability

The official of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed Archer’s availability, adding that the board will manage his workload in the tournament as England will play Australia in the five-match Ashes series in the summer and they will not risk their star pacer for that series. Workload management means Archer may sit out a few matches to ensure he remains fit and healthy throughout the tournament.

He should be able to play a full part in the IPL and as always his franchisee and the ECB will manage his workload. Jofra is very much available, have you not seen him in action in the Dhaka ODI,” a source close to ECB was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

MI had bought Archer for 8 crore in the IPL 2022 mega-auction, but Archer was dealing with an elbow injury last year and missed the IPL 2022. His absence was one of the main reasons why MI struggled and ended the season at the bottom of the points table. 

The reports of MI’s ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the entire IPL 2023 have been flying around. Bumrah is struggling with a back injury and has flown to New Zealand for surgery. With no Bumrah, the onus will be on Archer to lead the inexperienced bowling attack of Mumbai. The record five-time IPL champions will finally get to see Archer wearing the MI jersey and the fans would be hoping that he helps the team to win their record-sixth IPL title.