Rajasthan Royals have confirmed that England international Jos Buttler will not be taking part in the rescheduled Indian Premier League.
The IPL season was postponed back in May amid rising cases of coronavirus in India and the remainder of the tournament will be played in the United Arab Emirates in September and October.
England players will be able to feature in the rescheduled IPL and Eoin Morgan has already confirmed that he will return to captain Kolkata Knight Riders.
However, Buttler has pulled out of the tournament as he is expecting a second child next month.
In a message on Twitter, the Royals confirmed Buttler's withdrawal, writing: "Jos Buttler will not be part of the remainder of #IPL2021, as he and Louise are expecting a second child soon.
"We wish them well, and can't wait for the newest member of the #RoyalsFamily."
Buttler has been replaced by New Zealand international Glenn Phillips, who has been in excellent form in England over the past few months.
Phillips struck 500 runs at an average of 55.55 and a strike rate of 163.39 for Gloucestershire in Vitality T20 Blast, with his exploits earning him a deal with Welsh Fire in The Hundred.
In that competition, Phillips scored 214 runs at an average of 35.66 and a strike rate of 146.57, including an explosive 80 off just 35 balls in the Welsh Fire's win over London Spirit.
Phillips will be the first of several replacement players that the Royals call up, with Jofra Archer ruled out for the rest of the year with an elbow fracture.
Ben Stokes is also unlikely to play in the IPL, with the England all-rounder currently taking an indefinite break from the sport to look after his mental health.
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore have signed Singapore batter Tim David and Sri Lanka stars Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera as replacements, after Finn Allen, Scott Kuggeleijn, Adam Zampa, Daniel Sams and Kane Richardson all withdrew.
Punjab Kings have also signed a replacement player, bringing in Australian bowler Nathan Ellis after Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith were ruled out of the competition.
