David Willey will not feature for Chennai Super Kings in this year’s IPL due to family reasons. The England all-rounder’s wife is due to give birth to their second child, with Willey set to remain in Leeds.

“Unfortunately, due to family reasons I’ve had to pull out of the IPL,” said Willey. “We are due to have our second baby and my wife has had a bit of a tough time so I’m having to make sure she’s alright.

“It’s a bit open-ended as to when I’ll be available for Yorkshire, but hopefully I’ll be available for the start of the 50-over competition.

“Chennai were very understanding and very supportive, as Yorkshire have been as well. It’s never an easy decision. But, nonetheless, it’s the right decision.”

Willey was retained by Chennai for this year’s competition having been signed by the franchise last year as a replacement for the injured Kedar Jadhav. He featured in three games for the Super Kings, who went on to win the tournament.

Chennai – who have Willey’s England teammate Sam Billings in their squad – have started the 2019 IPL season with two wins on the bounce.

Their next match will see them take on Rajasthan Royals in Chennai on March 31.