David Payne ruled out of T20 Blast due to ankle surgery

David Payne, Gloucestershire's left-arm seamer who helped them win the T20 Blast in 2024, has been ruled out of this year's competition due to an ankle injury he suffered while playing in the Indian Premier League for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Payne, 35, had been drafted into the tournament as an injury replacement for Australia allrounder Jack Edwards but managed just two games himself, taking 2 for 35 in three overs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and 0 for 35 in two overs against Kolkata Knight Riders. Prior to that stint, he had enjoyed a prolific winter on the T20 franchise circuit, helping Desert Vipers and Perth Scorchers win the ILT20 and Big Bash League respectively, and claiming figures of 3 for 42 and 3 for 18 in each final, the latter landing him the Player-of-the-Match award. But, having returned home from the IPL in early April, he has decided that surgery on his ankle is the best option to prolong his career. "I'm absolutely gutted to be missing the Blast, and I'm very sorry to all our supporters," Payne wrote on Instagram. "Having surgery was a very difficult choice, and it was only decided after trying every option to get me back to playing. "Ultimately, this is the right decision for my long-term career, and I'm immensely thankful to all the coaches and medical staff at the club for their incredible support throughout this process. I'll be cheering the team on from the sidelines and look forward to seeing everyone at the ground soon." His absence from the Blast is a huge blow to Gloucestershire. He took the most wickets in the tournament in 2024, taking 33 at 12.75, including 3 for 27 in their eight-wicket victory over Somerset in the Edgbaston final. During the title defense in the previous season, he scored another 17 at 21.58, but Gloucestershire were eliminated at the group stage.