IPL 2020: Suresh Raina, Jason Roy, Mitchell Starc and other absentees - in pictures

Some big names will be missing when the tournament kicks off in the UAE

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  Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings): The most high-profile withdrawal. Raina’s decision to return to India came while his Chennai Super Kings were in the midst of a Covid-19 outbreak, and after he had suffered a family tragedy at home. AFP

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  Jason Roy (Delhi Capitals): Roy is back opening the batting for England after fitness issues kept him out of T20 series against Pakistan and Australia. But he had already signalled his intention to skip the IPL in favour of getting in shape. AFP

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  Chris Woakes (Delhi Capitals): One of England’s most trusted death-over specialists has been a big earner in the IPL in times past. He opted out of this one because his wife is expecting a baby this month. PA

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  Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians): The leading wicket-taker in IPL history is certainly out of the start of the competition, with James Pattinson brought in to replace him. He cited personal issues, which are understood to relate to his father being ill. AP

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  Mitchell Starc (Unattached): Starc has not played in the IPL since 2015. He was due to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018, but was injured, leading to a legal dispute over an insurance pay-out. He has opted out of each season since. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Kane Richardson (Royal Challengers Bangalore): The Australian seamer had been recruited as a potential cure for RCB’s death over ills, but he subsequently decided to skip it. He had concerns over the Covid-19 travel issues, which might have led him to miss the birth of his first child. AFP

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  Harbhajan Singh (Chennai Super Kings): Harbhajan, who turned 40 in July, was a notable absentee when CSK set off on their private charter flight to Dubai. He was supposed to follow, but eventually announced he would not be travelling due to personal reasons. AP

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  Harry Gurney (Kolkata Knight Riders): The left-arm seamer had a good look round in franchise cricket last year, playing is Australia, Pakistan and the Caribbean, as well as for KKR. He had been due back this season, but fell foul of injury. AFP

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  Mustafizur Rahman (Kolkata Knight Riders): Kolkata had initially looked at 'The Fizz' as a direct pace bowling replacement for Gurney. Rahman, centre, was not given permission to travel by Bangladesh, though, so they turned their attention to the American fast bowler Ali Khan instead. AFP

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  Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals): The England all-rounder’s availability for Rajasthan Royals is unclear, but he seems certain to miss the start of the competition at the very least. He returned to New Zealand midway through the summer to be with his father, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. AFP

After a six-month delay, the IPL will get under way when Mumbai Indians start their title defence against Chennai Super Kings at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Despite the extraordinary efforts to get the world's leading players to the UAE against the background of the global pandemic, there will still be some notable absentees when the competition gets under way.

Above is a picture gallery of the players missing from action at this year's IPL. To view the next image, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device.