Australia's Steve Smith posted a cryptic video message saying he will be joining the Indian Premier League but gave no indication in what capacity.
The 16th edition of the Twenty20 extravaganza begins Friday in Ahmedabad, with 10 teams and a host of global stars in attendance for the eight-week tournament.
Smith, one of the world's premier batsman, has been a near permanent fixture in the lucrative league since his first appearance in 2012 for the now defunct Pune Warriors.
But the video left it unclear whether he would play or just commentate. "Namaste, India. I've got some exciting news for you: I'm joining IPL 2023," Smith, 33, said in the video posted on his social media pages on Monday. "Yes, that's right, I'm joining an exceptional and passionate team in India." pic.twitter.com/NoU1ZAtZzF The video drew considerable mirth on social media for Smith's robot-like performance in the 15-second clip, during which he does not blink once.