Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The much-awaited player retention list was finally revealed by the IPL franchises on November 30, ahead of the mega-auction for IPL 2022. While some players were obvious guesses in the retention list, there were a few surprise additions as well. On the other hand, keeping in mind the retention rules and salary purse, the franchises had to take tough decisions, resulting in many key players being left out.
However, given that IPL 2022 is going to be a 10-team affair, with the two new teams- Lucknow and Ahmedabad, some of these players stand a chance to be picked ahead of the mega auction.
How can the new franchises sign players?
While big names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni amongst others have been retained by their franchises, many key players have been released, who will now be available in the auction pool for IPL 2022. These include the likes of KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Faf du Plessis, Rashid Khan, to name a few.
However, prior to the mega auction that is likely to take place sometime in early 2022; Lucknow and Ahmedabad can pick up to 3 players (maximum 1 overseas player) from the list of released players. The two new teams will only have Rs 33 crore to spend from their 90 crore salary purse for signing 3 players. The break-up for the same is – Rs 15 crore, Rs 11 crore and Rs 7 crore for the first, second and third player respectively.
“If a player is negotiating with a new franchise, he can do it according to the purse allocation. If someone is in line to become the captain of a new team, then obviously he will be joining for Rs 15 crore,” said a franchise CEO as quoted by The Indian Express.
The deadline for the new franchises to sign three new players is December 25, following which the mega auction is slated to take place.
KL Rahul likely to lead Lucknow: Reports
Out of all the players who have been released, one of the marquee picks is former PBKS skipper KL Rahul. The opener has been phenomenal over the last few years and has been consistent in delivering for the team. As per reports, Lucknow is likely to pick the star opener and appoint him as the captain of the new franchise.
Considering the line-up of players available to be picked by Ahmedabad and Lucknow, it’ll be interesting to see which players make it to the two new franchises prior to the mega auction.