File image of Steve Smith©AFP
Australia’s Steve Smith will debut as a commentator for the upcoming Indian Premier League, the tournament’s broadcaster said on Tuesday, ending the mystery over his return to the event. The 16th edition of the money-packed Twenty20 extravaganza kicks off in Ahmedabad on Friday, with 10 teams and a host of world stars on hand for the eight-week tournament. “Steve Smith has joined the expert panel for the major tournament. Smith will make his broadcasting debut with Star Sports, adding his invaluable insight and expertise to Star Sports’ already impressive roster of panelists,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
Smith, 33, announced his return to the tournament on Twitter on Monday, saying in a teaser video: “Namaste, India. I have exciting news for you: I’m participating in IPL 2023.”
That post sparked speculation that he could return to the tournament as a player. The video caused much hilarity on social media due to Smith’s robotic performance in the 15-second clip, in which he didn’t blink.
“Don’t blink when you’re being held at gunpoint,” joked one Twitter user.
Another fan advised Smith, who recently led Australia in two Tests and three one-day internationals in India, to use his bat and not the microphone on his return to India. Smith last played for the Delhi Capitals in the lucrative IPL in 2021 before going unsold at auction for next season.
The star batsman kept himself out of this season’s mini-auction in December, but can be picked up by any team as an injury replacement.
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