Jason Roy has revealed that he opted out of the ongoing IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to prioritise his physical and mental well-being.
Roy joined KKR in 2023 as an injury replacement for INR 2.8 crore (US$341,000 approx.). He scored 285 runs at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 151.59. He was due to return this season but withdrew at the start of March citing personal reasons. England and Lancashire batter Phil Salt replaced him.
Roy has faced several challenges in the past 18 months. He was not selected for England's T20 World Cup squad in 2022 or for the defence of the 50-over title, which he played a crucial role in winning in 2019. Additionally, he was not drafted for this year's Hundred after being released from the 2023 champions, Oval Invincibles. In May, Roy terminated his ECB incremental contract to play in the inaugural season of Major League Cricket (MLC).
Roy began 2024 playing for Durban's Super Giants in the SA20 league after finishing the year in the T10 for Chennai Braves. He then played two ILT20 games for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders before moving on to a ten-match stint with Quetta Gladiators in the PSL.
"I've not just woken up one morning and thought, 'you know what - I actually don't feel like getting on that flight to India'. A lot of thought has gone into it, and yeah, it's become far easier to talk about and a far easier decision"
During the latest episode of The Athlete's Voice podcast, Roy revealed that he decided to skip this edition of the IPL due to a demanding winter and a desire to spend quality time with his family.
Roy withdrew from the game two years ago due to personal reasons and missed IPL 2022 with Gujarat Titans. In March of that year, he was reprimanded by the ECB for conduct that could have brought the game of cricket, the ECB, and himself into disrepute. Roy admitted to the charge and was fined £2,500 and handed a suspended two-match ban.