Chris Woakes is heading to the Indian Premier League for a fourth stint having been selected by the Punjab Kings.
The 34-year-old will team up with former England Head Coach Trevor Bayliss after a battle for his services ensued in the IPL 2024 auction.
With a set base price of INR 2 Crore, the Kings and one of his former clubs, Kolkata Knight Riders, battled with multiple bids before the former secured him at 4.20 crore (approx £400,000).
Woakes, who has also starred for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, has taken 30 wickets in 21 matches in the competition.
A key target due to his power play bowling skills and all-round ability, the boyhood Bear will head to India in the middle of March with the tournament scheduled to finish at the end of May.
Birmingham Bears Captain Moeen Ali was retained before the draft, meaning he’ll return to the Chennai Super Kings.
The duo will get valuable playing time ahead of the tournament with Mo joining the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, while Woakes will play for the Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20.
Sam Hain and Jake Lintott (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) and Dan Mousley (MI Emirates) will also link up with Woakes for the tournament based in the UAE.
Four Teams. Two Matches. Blast Off is back!
Vitality Blast Off is back and the Bears will launch their home T20 campaign with a huge men’s double-header featuring two big Midlands rivalry games.
Taking place on Saturday 1 June, Derbyshire Falcons host Leicestershire Foxes (2.30pm) before the Bears take on Notts Outlaws (6.30pm). Buy tickets in advance and save.
