The 23-year-old was supposed to play for Multan Sultans in the PSL. He suffered hamstring tightness while representing the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, and Cricket Ireland said he returned home “out of an abundance of caution”.
Defending IPL champions Gujarat Titans signed Little for INR 4.4 crore (500,000 approx) in the December auction, making him the first active Ireland player to be bought in the competition.
He is expected to return to fitness in time to fulfill his contract, and is targeting the three-match ODI series against Ireland in Bangladesh next month as a possible comeback.
Mark Rossa, Ireland’s Head of Sport Science, Physiotherapy and Medical Services, said: “Josh experienced some tightness in his hamstring at the end of his time in the SA20 league.
“After reporting this to Pretoria Capitals medical staff, he was sent for an ultrasound scan which was inconclusive. Out of an abundance of caution, Josh returned home for further tests and treatment with the Cricket Ireland medical team. Decided to come.
“MRI scans did not show any significant hamstring injury, but he has completed a rehabilitation, strength and conditioning and bowling workload management course in preparation for the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting at the end of March. will remain in Dublin to do so. A busy period of international cricket for Ireland.”
Ireland’s ODI series in Bangladesh will begin on March 18, followed by the T20Is which will continue till March 31, the same day the IPL begins with Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad.
