Uncertainty loom large over Kolkata Knight Rider’s pacer Umran Malik’s chances of participating in the first few matches in the IPL starting on 22nd March. The Jammu & Kashmir bowler, who has been recovering from a back injury, is yet to get clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Defending champions KKR will commence their IPL campaign on 22nd March 22, taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament opener.

According to reports, Umran is still recovering at the NCA in Bengaluru and is yet to join KKR’s training camp. However, according to reports, NCA is satisfied with the scans for his back injury a fortnight ago. Still, Malik has not yet received the NOC from NCA to take part in IPL 2025.

Malik was bagged by KKR for Rs. 75 lakhs in the IPL 2025 mega auction after he was released by SRH. 

After shooting to fame in his limited appearances in the IPL, he has done very little to keep himself out of injury. Ever since making his IPL debut in 2021, he has played only 26 matches. To make matters worse, he has never played a full IPL season barring 2022. His last international game came in 2023 following which he has stayed out of the picture.