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As the Indian domestic cricket season draws near, the absence of a prominent player from the upcoming Buchi Babu Tournament has become a topic of considerable discussion.
The Buchi Babu Tournament, featuring 12 teams and taking place across Tamil Nadu, will see Umran Malik missing from the lineup. The fast bowler himself has clarified the reason behind his absence.
At just 24, Malik gained widespread recognition for his explosive pace during the IPL 2021. However, he has not been included in the Jammu and Kashmir squad for the Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament, which kicks off on August 15 and will be held in four Tamil Nadu locations: Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Salem, and Natham.
Umran Malik skips the Buchi Babu Tournament due to health issues.
Malik’s ascent in cricket was swift and impressive—his relentless pace at around 140 kph made him a standout for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2022, where he featured in all 14 matches and earned a reputation for his toe-crushing deliveries. His eye-catching IPL debut quickly led to his international debut.
Between June 2022 and July 2023, the right-arm pacer represented India in 10 ODIs and eight T20Is, taking a total of 24 wickets. However, his burgeoning career seems to have encountered a significant hurdle. He lost his spot in the Indian team and struggled with form during the IPL 2023.
Malik appeared in only eight matches for SRH in IPL 2023, and his previous season saw him play just once, with SRH ending as runners-up. His once-dominant pace has been overshadowed by issues with control and consistency, resulting in frequent run leaks and increased vulnerability.
His difficulties have been compounded by limited opportunities in domestic cricket. Malik had a disrupted Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season, bowling only 47 overs largely due to adverse weather conditions in Jammu & Kashmir.
Despite seeking advice from renowned figures like Dale Steyn at SRH and Irfan Pathan during the domestic season, Malik has struggled to regain his previous form. Consequently, he will miss out on the Buchi Babu Tournament once again.
I’m down with dengue: Malik
Umran Malik was quoted as saying by The Indian Express: “I was fully prepared that season (Ranji Trophy 2023-24), but the weather didn’t help. Then I was really looking forward to the IPL as I’d gained a lot in the months preceding the IPL. Unfortunately, even that didn’t go the way I wanted. But it also gave me the time to work on things I wanted to in the practice sessions.”
The Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler had been looking forward to participating in the upcoming Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament 2024. However, his plans have been disrupted as he is currently battling dengue, which has sidelined him for the pre-season event. Additionally, he has only recently recovered from a hamstring injury.
Malik signed off by saying, “I’ve definitely become a better bowler if you ask me. After the IPL, I injured my hamstring and just as I recovered, I’m down with dengue.”
The Buchi Babu Tournament 2024 will showcase a diverse lineup of 12 teams, including the defending champions Madhya Pradesh, as well as Jharkhand, Railways, Gujarat, Mumbai, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, and Baroda. In addition, two local teams, the TNCA President’s XI and TNCA XI, will also compete.
