Lancs delighted with Liam’s IPL decision
PAUL Allott says it is a real boost for Lancashire that Liam Livingstone has decided not to play in the Indian Premier League next year.
The former Red Rose captain missed the start of the 2019 domestic season because he was with the Rajasthan Royals in the lucrative T20 competition.
Livingstone, however, only played four games. And, as reported in M.E.N. Sport earlier this month, has decided not to return next season.
Instead, he is keen to focus on red ball cricket, so will be available for all 14 of Lancashire’s Specsaver County Championship matches and the Vitality Blast campaign before joining up with Birmingham Phoenix for The Hundred.
“It’s great news,” said Lancashire’s director of cricket Allott. “He was turning over in his mind what his priorities were going to be.
“He enjoyed the IPL last year, but got limited opportunities and I think it was quite tough for him not playing as many games as he thought he would.
“He has committed himself to play for Lancashire in the County Championship and T20 next year, which is great news for all Lancashire supporters.”
Livingstone is currently in South Africa playing for the Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League, while he has also been signed by Perth Scorchers for Australia’s Big Bash this winter. He has also previously played for the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League.
“You have to look at it in the whole context of what he wants to do,” added Allott.
“He has aspirations to play international cricket – whether that is white or red ball.
“He has been away this winter in South Africa and is heading to the Big Bash. Not going to the IPLwill give him the opportunity to take stock and give him some time to reflect in March and be fit and firing to play all forms of cricket in the summer.
“There aren’t many who get to choose between playing red or white ball cricket. But I am delighted he has chosen this option.”
Meanwhile, Allott is also full of praise for another former Lancashire captain in Steven Croft.
The 35-year-old last week signed a new two-year deal ahead of his 16th season with Lancashire.
And Allott said offering Croft an extended contract was an easy decision.
“He has done brilliantly,” said Allott. “He had a tough time in his benefit year when he didn’t seem to come to terms with cricket. But he rejuvenated himself last season. All the signs are there that he is still performing at the top level.
“There is a great balancing act going on now, we will lose eight players to The Hundred this summer. If you are going to develop young players, you still have to have seasoned professionals around the place to show the young lads the way, and Crofty is perfect for that.
“There is more than a very good case for keeping him on the staff. Not only is he performing well, he will be a guiding light for the young pros as well.”