PSL's 'cha cha' Peter Siddle banned from playing in English counties

Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle, known as 'Chacha' in the PSL, and English all-rounder Samit Patel have been ruled out of this summer's T20 Blast. The ban was imposed because both players participated in the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa in January and February, which was not approved by the Indian Cricket Board and was therefore declared unsanctioned.

According to the laws of England cricket, players who have played in any unsanctioned league in the last 12 months are not eligible to play county cricket. Peter Siddle, 41, was due to play for Nottinghamshire this season but the club expressed disappointment by terminating his contract and said that a replacement player would be found.

Samit Patel, 41, had left Derbyshire after last season and was looking for a new county but has now given up hope of playing this season. Notably, Patel was one of the few players to have played every season since 2003 without a single match.