While T20 World Cup 2022 has reached its business end with just the semifinals and the summit clash remaining, preparations for another cricket extravaganza, IPL 2023, are in full swing.
The mini-auction for the upcoming edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place on December 16, but before that, IPL franchises have to submit their final list of players they want to release and retain until November 15.
Meanwhile, the trading window is also open for teams as they can trade players to any other franchise in exchange for any other player. According to a report carried by Times Now, Gujarat Titans are likely to trade their star pacer, Lockie Ferguson, to Kolkata Knight Riders for Shivam Mavi.
Notably, Gujarat broke the bank to secure the services of Lockie Ferguson in IPL 2022 mega auction and bought him for a huge sum of Rs. 10 crores. The New Zealand scalped 12 wickets in 13 matches. His economy could have been more impressive as he bowled with an 8.96 economy. Ferguson was benched for three games last season.
Meanwhile, uncapped Shivam Mavi played six matches for Kolkata Knight Riders, scalped five wickets, and bowled with an economy of 10.32. Apart from Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings has also made notable changes in the side as they have appointed Shikhar Dhawan as the skipper of the franchise. The franchise also sacked Anil Kumble and a couple of coaching staff following poor results in IPL 2022.
Australian cricketer Trevor Bayliss has been roped in to head the coaching staff, and South Africa bowling coach Charl Langeveldt alongside Brad Haddin, have reportedly joined the support staff of Punjab Kings (PBKS).
According to a Cricbuzz report, the franchise is also looking forward to securing the services of Ben Stokes, Sam Curran and Cameron Green during the mini-auction. Notably, England Test skipper Ben Stokes pulled himself out of the mega-auction for IPL 2022, stating Test cricket to be his priority, while Sam Curran could not participate due to injuries.
The franchise is also mulling over releasing Mayank Agarwal (INR 12 Crore), Caribbean all-rounder Odean Smith (INR 6 Crore), and Shahrukh Khan (INR 9 Crore) following their poor performance in IPL 2022.