Australian power-hitter Aaron Finch has a perfect excuse to miss the opening match for his new franchise Kings XI Punjab in the upcoming 11th season of the Indian Premier League as the swashbuckler is due to tie the knot on April 7 with partner Amy Griffiths. With the 11th season commencing from April 7, the explosive Australian batsman will, unfortunately, be unavailable for the opening matches.
Finch was purchased by the Preity Zinta owned franchise Kings XI Punjab for Rs 6.2 crore in the IPL 2018 auctions. The news might be a bit of an upset for the Punjab fans, but they aren't alone. Finch's Australian mate Glenn Maxwell will also be unavailable for the start of the league as the dynamic batsman will be the MC (Master of Ceremonies) for Finch's wedding.
Maxwell is now a Delhi Daredevils' man as he was brought by the franchise for a whopping Rs. 9 crore. The Australian batsman played for Punjab for four years and has now joined the Daredevils in the 11th edition of the league.
The duo share a great bond on and off-field and with less than two months out from the tournament date, coincidently, Kings XI Punjab play Delhi Daredevils in their opening match with both the Australian duo missing in the inaugural match for their respective teams.
The duo have good understandings with their respective IPL coaches as Finch plays under former Australia all-rounder Brad Hodge whereas Maxwell will be under 'Punter' Ricky Ponting.
"I saw the fixture this morning - there's no chance I'll be missing my wedding," Finch told reporters in Auckland on Thursday ahead of Australia’s T20 International against New Zealand," Finch told cricket.com.au.
"That'd be a bit tough leaving Amy at the altar, wouldn't it?"
"The second game we play is on the 13th, that'll give me plenty of time to get over there and miss only one game luckily.
The IPL 2018 commences from April 7 with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on rivals Chennai Super Kings while Delhi Daredevils will be playing against Kings XI Punjab on April 8
