Matthew Wade to Miss Gujarat Titans' IPL Opener for Sheffield Shield Final

Matthew Wade, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter, will miss the Gujarat Titans' (GT) opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 to participate in the Sheffield Shield final for Tasmania. The Sheffield Shield final will be held from March 21st to 25th, coinciding with GT's first game against Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 25th.

Wade's presence for GT's second match against Chennai Super Kings on March 27th is uncertain, while his availability for their third game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 31st is also in doubt.

Tasmania head coach Jeff Vaughan confirmed that Wade has received permission from GT to play in the Sheffield Shield final. "He's spoken with his IPL franchise and they're happy to allow him to stay here, which probably equates to him potentially missing their first game," Vaughan said.

Wade, who spent 10 years with Victoria, returned to Tasmania in the 2017-18 Sheffield Shield season and was part of the team that lost the final to Queensland.

GT will enter IPL 2024 without Hardik Pandya, who has rejoined Mumbai Indians as captain. Shubman Gill will lead the Gujarat Titans in Pandya's absence.

Tags: #MatthewWade, #GujaratTitans, #IPL2024, #SheffieldShield, #Tasmania