IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals sign Australia's Daniel Sams to replace Jason Roy

England batsman cited personal reasons for not travelling to the UAE

(FILES) In this file photo taken on April 14, 2018 Delhi Daredevils cricketer Jason Roy plays a shot during the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Mumbai Indians and DelhiShow more

Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals have signed Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams to replace England's Jason Roy for the T20 tournament starting next month in the UAE.

England opener Roy was on Thursday ruled out of England's T20 series against Pakistan after sustaining a side strain, though Delhi said he had opted out of traveling to the Emirates for the IPL "for personal reasons".

Sams, 27, is a rising star of the Australia limited-overs sides and will join compatriots Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey at the Delhi Capitals, coached by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

"The IPL is a huge platform for any cricketer, and back home, we all follow the tournament extremely closely every year," said Sams.

"I feel fortunate to be a part of it this year ... I can't wait to join the rest of the players in the UAE."

South Africa-born opener Roy suffered the injury this week during England's preparations in Manchester where the Pakistan series starts later Friday.

Ahead of the IPL start on September 19, all eight teams have arrived in the UAE where they are required to undergo a period of quarantine in their hotels.

The IPL, originally scheduled to start in March, has been moved from India because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus across the country, the third worst-hit in the world behind the US and Brazil.