Wanted to play IPL 2021: Chris Woakes opens up about decision to skip UAE leg

IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals all-rounder Chris Woakes was among the 3 England players along with Johnny Bairstow and Dawid Malan to pull out of the remainder of the tournament, starting September 19 in the UAE.

England all-rounder Chris Woakes said on Tuesday that he decided to pull out of the remainder of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in the UAE, keeping in mind his commitments at the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. Woakes was one of the three England players along with Johnny Bairstow and Dawid Malan to withdraw from the UAE leg of the tournament. Chris Woakes, who returned to the England Test side after injury concerns during the incomplete 5-Test series at home against India, said he felt playing the IPL would mean "too much cricket" in a short span of time. The IPL 2021 resume from September 19 while the T20 World Cup will get underway from October 17 in the UAE and Oman.