IPL 2008 was the first edition of the Indian Premier League. Several big names of world cricket participated in that tournament. Eight teams, namely Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils, Deccan Chargers and Kolkata Knight Riders signed players from different parts of the world.
There are players like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Amit Mishra and Piyush Chawla, who played in IPL 2008 and are still playing in the league. However, the following five foreign players withdrew from the first season and then they never earned any contract in playing capacity.
1. Nathan Bracken withdrew from IPL 2008
Former Australian fast bowler Nathan Bracken withdrew from the inaugural edition of the IPL due to his recovery from knee surgery. Ashley Noffke then joined RCB as his replacement.
2. Ashley Noffke withdrew from IPL 2008
Much to RCB’s disappointment, the replacement of Nathan Bracken, Ashley Noffke also withdrew from the competition because of international duty. Noffke never came back to the league.
3. Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Not many fans would know that West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul played for RCB in the 2008 season of the league. The left-handed batter withdrew from the league midway due to international duty, and then he never got another contract.
4. Stephen Fleming
Current CSK coach Stephen Fleming departed for New Zealand just before the final of the inaugural season to be present for his child’s birth. It proved to be Fleming’s last contract as a player.
5. Justin Langer
Justin Langer was the first player in IPL history to withdraw from his contract. He did so on February 23 before the season started because he had a pre-existing contract with Somerset.
