Setback for Gujarat Titans as Matthew Wade to miss start of IPL 2024 due to Sheffield Shield final

Matthew Wade was part of GT’s title-winning run in IPL 2022 edition.

Australian wicket-keeper batter Matthew Wade has made a strong call, choosing to prioritize his domestic duties over the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition. Wade, who plays for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the prestigious tournament, will miss the start of the 2024 season to be available for Tasmanian in the Sheffield Shield final.

This decision comes at a crucial time for both Wade and his domestic team. Tasmania, yearning for their first Shield title since 2012–13, have secured a place in the final and they will play at their home ground, Blundstone Arena in Hobart.

Representing Tasmania in the final presents a golden opportunity to not only contribute to his home state’s historic win but also potentially stake a strong claim to be included in the national team for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in June.

Wade will miss the Gujarat Titans’ opening game against the Mumbai Indians on March 25 since the Sheffield Shield final will be played from March 21–25.

The Gujarat Titans will play their second game against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on March 27 and will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 31.

However, the Australian wicket-keeper has taken permission from the Gujarat Titans franchise to take part in the historic Sheffield Shield final. The permission has been approved by the GT franchise as well, despite the match overlapping with the start of the cash-rich league.

“He’s spoken with his IPL franchise and they’re happy to allow him to stay here, which probably equates to him potentially missing their first game. We feel very fortunate to have someone of Matt’s ilk coming back into our group and his experience and his performances at the back end of our season,” Tasmania head coach Jeff Vaughan told reporters in Hobart.

In the recent Shield game against his former side Victoria, veteran batter Wade amassed 32 and five runs in the first and second innings respectively.

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