Aussie Cricketer Kane Richardson sacrificed IPL contract worth $817k for family

Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson has turned down a worthwhile Indian Premier League contract to stay at home with his wife Nyki for the birth of their first child.

Richardson, who was supposed to earn $816,000 to appear for Royal Challengers Bangalore, has turned down the contract as his wife is due to give birth to their first child in the middle of the IPL season.

Richardson will be replaced by fellow Aussie bowler Adam Zampa.

Mike Hesson, Royal Challengers Bangalore coach, said, “It was a no-brainer to allow Richardson to walk away from his deal.”

Further, he added, “We are disappointed to not have Kane’s skills with us this IPL as he’s certainly on top of his game. However, once we found out Kane and Nyki‘s baby was due during the IPL, it’s an exciting time, and we were fully supportive of Kane wanting to be at the birth of their first child. When looking at our squad for UAE conditions, we felt it was an opportunity to bring in another quality leg-spinner in Adam Zampa to provide cover for (Yuzvendra) Chahal and also give us extra options if conditions suit spin as expected during the tournament.”