Veteran seamer opts for surgery after IPL injury despite stellar winter with Desert Vipers and Perth Scorchers
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!David Payne will miss the entire T20 Blast season after deciding to undergo ankle surgery following an injury suffered during his brief IPL stint earlier this year.
The 35-year-old left-arm seamer had joined the IPL as a replacement for Jack Edwards but featured in only two matches before returning home in early April due to the injury.
Payne impressed in his first outing with figures of 2 for 35 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru before going wicketless against Kolkata Knight Riders in his second appearance.
Before the IPL setback, Payne had enjoyed a brilliant winter on the global T20 circuit. He helped Desert Vipers lift the ILT20 title and played a major role in Perth Scorchers winning the Big Bash League crown.
He starred in both finals, claiming 3 for 42 in the ILT20 final and a match-winning 3 for 18 in the BBL final, which earned him the Player-of-the-Match award.
Explaining his decision to undergo surgery, Payne said he had explored every possible option before choosing the operation to protect his long-term career.
“I’m absolutely gutted to be missing the Blast and very sorry to all our supporters,” Payne wrote on Instagram. “The decision to have surgery was incredibly difficult, but ultimately it’s the right one for my long-term career.”
He also thanked the coaches and medical staff at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club for their support during the recovery process.
Payne’s absence is a major setback for Gloucestershire, considering his outstanding record in the competition. In 2024, he finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 33 wickets at an average of 12.75, including a crucial 3 for 27 in the final against Somerset County Cricket Club at Edgbaston.
He followed that up with another strong campaign last season, taking 17 wickets, although Gloucestershire were knocked out in the group stage during their title defence.
