IPL 2024: Punjab Kings' all-rounder Liam Livingstone returns to England to address knee niggle ahead of T20 WC

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New Delhi, May 13: With their playoff hopes already dashed, Punjab Kings all-rounder Liam Livingstone has returned to England from the ongoing IPL 2024 on Monday (May 13), aiming to undergo knee rehabilitation ahead of next month's T20 World Cup.

With just four wins from 12 matches, the Kings have been ousted from this edition of IPL and currently occupy the bottom spot on the table with eight points.

Taking to his Instagram account, Livingstone expressed, "Another year in the IPL comes to an end. Had to address my knee concerns before the upcoming World Cup. Grateful to the Punjab Kings fans for their unwavering support. Despite a disappointing season collectively and individually, every moment spent in the IPL was cherished."

As a consequence, Livingstone will be absent for PBKS' remaining two matches of the tournament against Rajasthan Royals (May 15) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 19).

Though the injury is not deemed severe, the England management, per ESPNCricinfo, has opted to grant him additional time for treatment ahead of their home T20I series against Pakistan, commencing on May 22.

Following the series, the defending champions are set to embark on their T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies, beginning on June 4 against Scotland in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Livingstone had a subdued IPL this season, amassing 111 runs from seven matches and securing merely three wickets.

Meanwhile, the other England players in the IPL, who are also part of their World Cup squad - including Moeen Ali (CSK), Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow (PBKS), Jos Buttler (RR), Will Jacks, Reece Topley (RCB), and Phil Salt (KKR) - are expected to return home over the upcoming weekend.