Luke Littler had to be involved in the 2024 Premier League. (Image: Getty)
As is tradition, the Premier League Darts line-up has disrupted the settled dust from the World Darts Championship by sparking debate en masse amongst the sport’s fans. Mike De Decker, Damon Heta, and Gary Anderson are among the absentees from the eight-player roster that have left hopefuls disappointed.
De Decker was the most surprising exclusion, becoming the first-ever major winner to be snubbed from the in the competition’s 20-year history.
Nathan Aspinall retaining his place instead has particularly raised eyebrows, given his struggles in recent months.
Heta, a fan favourite whose stock soared with his nine-darter at Ally Pally last month, offered a reality check on X (formerly Twitter) with his reaction to missing out.
“Well, as usual, there are a lot of strong feelings surrounding the PL pickings (I don’t trend very often),” the Australian wrote.
“I wasn’t expecting to be picked in the PL, and I know I wasn’t even in the talks with the board for it, but I appreciate every single one of you who put me in their line-up and had faith I was going to be there.
“I didn’t move to England to play PL, and I have been pretty open about that over the years. If it happens one day, it happens, but I’ll continue to work hard & what will be will be.”
And he’s not the first exclusion to defend the PDC’s selection after Joe Cullen poured cold water on Luke Littler’s somewhat controversial involvement last year.
Joe Cullen backed Luke Littler’s inclusion. (Image: Getty)
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Many considered Cullen unfortunate to miss out on the stellar event after Littler was rewarded for putting darts on the map during his dream run to the world final at age 16.
He rose from 164th in the world to 31st as he beat Christian Kist, Andrew Gilding, Matt Campbell, Raymond van Barneveld, Brendan Dolan and Rob Cross before losing to Luke Humphries.
Despite Littler’s incredible impact, the PDC’s decision to throw him into the with such little experience left some sections of the darts world unhappy.
However, hit the nail on the head, claiming that the exposure the tungsten teenage superstar was bringing to the game would benefit all players.
Luke Littler went on to win the competition. (Image: Getty)
“Had plenty of messages about PL picks – some saying I should be in, some saying other players should be in,” Cullen posted on X.
“Personally, I think @OfficialPDC got it right this year! Littler HAD to be in! The global attention his rise has attracted is huge for darts! And we as players will all benefit.”
Cullen was proven right as Littler silenced the doubters by winning the at his first attempt.
His inclusion this year is less controversial, considering his newfound status of champion of the world.