Ambati Rayudu, Blessing Muzarabani ruled out of CPL for personal reasons

Muzarabani & Rayudu (Source-Twitter)

Ambati Rayudu and Blessing Muzarabani have decided to end their stints in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) due to personal reasons. The news has left fans and cricket enthusiasts shocked, as both players were expected to play crucial roles for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the CPL 2023.

Rayudu, an experienced Indian batter, made his CPL debut with Nevis Patriots but it did not go as he would have liked. Having brought in a veteran middle-order batter, they had high hopes for Rayudu to contribute to the team's success. 

Rayudu played three innings for Nevis Patriots in the ongoing edition, scoring 47 runs at 15.66 and a strike rate of 117.50. His scores in the three innings were 0, 32 and 15. However, he has now chosen to prioritise his personal matters over his cricketing commitments. 

Similarly, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani's departure from the CPL has come as a disappointment for fans of Zimbabwean cricket. The talented fast bowler was expected to make a significant impact in the tournament with his pace and accuracy. 

Muzarabani took one wicket at an economy of 10.61 in three matches for Nevis Patriots. To fill the void left by Rayudu and Muzarabani, the Saint Kitts and Nevis-based franchise has roped in the English combo of fast bowler Benny Howell and top-order batter Will Smeed.

Carlos Brathwaite replaces Donovan Ferreira for Barbados Royals 

Meanwhile, Barbados Royals have temporarily replaced wicketkeeper-batter Donovan Ferreira with Carlos Brathwaite. Ferreira is one of the 16 players selected by South Africa for their domestic T20I series against Australia. After his national duties are over, he is anticipated to return to CPL. 

Ferreira played only one game for Royals in CPL 2023, in which he scored 19 runs. The experienced West Indies all-rounder has played 77 CPL matches for four teams and this will be his first stint with Royals. He has scored 822 runs at an average of 16.11 and picked up 59 wickets.