Trevor Bayliss, Sydney Thunder’s head coach, will miss his team’s Big Bash League fixture against Adelaide Strikers on Tuesday night due to his attendance at the IPL auction in Dubai on behalf of Punjab Kings. Bayliss also missed part of last year’s BBL for the same reason. Coaches like Andy Flower have also left leagues to attend the IPL auction. Australia’s assistant coach, Daniel Vettori, and Delhi Capitals coach, Ricky Ponting, have also had to fulfill their duties with IPL teams. However, Bayliss’ absence from the dugout on Tuesday highlights the IPL’s dominance over other leagues. Bayliss joined Thunder ahead of the 2021-22 BBL and has led the team to the playoffs in both seasons. Shawn Bradstreet, Bayliss’ assistant, will deputize as interim head coach in his absence. Kings have INR 29.1 crore to spend at the auction and Bayliss mentioned the team’s desire to strengthen in two or three areas.
