Black Caps bowler Matt Henry gets IPL contract as replacement

Sunday, 31 March 2024

Justin Langer’s Lucknow Super Giants have snapped up Kiwi quick Matt Henry.
Henry will replace England’s David Willey.
The Canterbury seamer had missed an IPL slot at last year’s mini-auction.

New Zealand pace bowler Matt Henry will play in the Indian Premier League after a late call-up to the Lucknow Super Giants.

The club confirmed on Saturday that Henry would replace England left-armer David Willey, who has withdrawn for personal reasons.

Indian news outlets reported that Henry would join LSG at his base price of INR 1.25 crores (about $280,000).

The 32-year-old has not played in the IPL since 2017when he made two appearances for the Punjab Kings.

Matt Henry, pictured playing for the Black Caps in a test against Australia, has been called up to the IPL by the Lucknow Super Giants.

Henry has taken 20 wickts in 17 T20 internationals for the Black Caps.

He has played 25 tests, taking 95 wickets.

Henry is fresh from an impressive performance in the recent test series against Australia when the Cantabrian snared seven wickets for 67 runs on his home turf at Hagley Oval.

Lucknow Super Giants' captain Nicholas Pooran (R) hugs teammate Mayank Yadav as they celebrate their team's victory over the Punjab Kings.

He took 11 wickets at 28.63 at the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Henry was passed up at the last IPL mini- auction in Dubai but now gets a call-up after Willey’s withdrawal.

Willey had joined LSG from Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The Lucknow Super Giants - based in Uttar Pradesh - are coached by former Australia head coach Justin Langer.

They beat the Punjab Kings by 21 runs on Saturday in their second match of the 2024 IPL season.