Peter Siddle and Samit Patel (GettyImages) Peter Siddle and Samit Patel have been banned from this summer’s T20 Blast after breaching ECB regulations linked to their participation in an unsanctioned tournament earlier this year, according to ESPNcricinfo.Both players featured in the World Legends Pro T20 League held in Goa during January and February, a competition considered “unsanctioned cricket” as it did not have the support of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. According to ECB rules, any cricketer who has participated in such events within 12 months of the domestic season has been banned from county competitions.
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Matthew Hayden reacts after Gujarat Titans’ defeat against Mumbai IndiansSiddle, 41, was scheduled to be an overseas signing for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the Blast but the deal has now been scrapped. The club confirmed the development on Tuesday, citing his “personal circumstances”. Director of cricket Mick Newell admitted the decision was a setback and said Nottinghamshire were “naturally disappointed” and would now look for a replacement.The county has already strengthened its team with other signings such as Benny Howell and George Munsey. However, they could be without another overseas recruit, George Linde, at the start of the tournament. Linde is currently tied with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and may miss the opening matches if the franchise makes it to the playoffs.Meanwhile, Patel’s situation is more definitive. The 41-year-old all-rounder, who has been without a county contract since leaving Derbyshire County Cricket Club after last season, confirmed he had accepted the ECB directive and given up hope of playing in this year’s Blast.Patel’s absence marks the end of a remarkable streak. Along with Ravi Bopara, he is one of only two players to have featured in every edition of the T20 Blast since its inception in 2003. Neither will feature this season, with Bopara having already left county cricket last month to focus on coaching and media commitments.
