Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
It is the deadline day for IPL 2022 retention on Tuesday - November 30. The old franchises are set to officially announce the list of players they wish to retain for next edition of the tournament but it seems like the new franchises have disrupted their plan of action.
While most of the teams have been successful in their negotiations with players, it looks like Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have suffered a huge setback. PBKS captain KL Rahul and SRH star leg-spinner Rashid Khan were reportedly offered contracts of INR 16 crores and INR 20 crores respectively by their current franchises but they have allegedly rejected that. But why?
One of the main reasons which has been reported behind the duo's decision is the alleged involvement of Lucknow in the whole scenario. As per reports, the new franchise approached the two players this month and have offered them attractive deals (INR 20 crores for Rahul, INR 16 crores for Rashid) which is why the duo has supposedly rejected the offers made by their current franchises.
PBKS and SRH have complained to BCCI
Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have reportedly informed the BCCI about whole situation and the board is looking after the matter. As per InsideSport, a source close to BCCI said, "We haven’t received any letter but we have received a verbal complaint from two franchises about players poaching by Lucknow team."
"We are looking into it, and we will take appropriate action if it proves to be true. We don’t want to disturb the balance. You cannot avoid such things when there is fierce competition. But it’s not fair to the existing teams when they are trying to balance everything," he added.
As per rules, the new franchise is not allowed to approach any players of the eight franchises before they are officially released by them, and the law goes vice-versa for the players. This is why if KL Rahul and Rashid Khan have had talks with Lucknow, this could land both the players and franchise in trouble. A ban of one season could be the punishment if the two players are found guilty of breaking the tournament protocols.