Kevin Pietersen, Dale Steyn, Ishant Sharma and Eoin Morgan are some of the big names who have reportedly faced the axe from their Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises.
With no increase in the salary cap this year, the franchises are compelled to manage with Rs 63 crores and as a result, the teams have released the players who failed to perform well last term.
The Mumbai Mirror has reported around 40 players will look for a new IPL team after being released by their current team. Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), who were seventh in the eight-team tournament in last year’s IPL, have released close to 10 players while their fellow new-comers Gujarat Lions have followed suit by releasing almost the same number of players.
The report claimed while still there has been no news from the Delhi Daredevils camp, Pawan Negi has reportedly been released after failing to perform well last term following his big-money move to the capital-based outfit.
The news outlet also claimed Ishant Sharma’s release from the RPS team was shocking considering the fact he was close to skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. But it seems, his stats were the reason behind his release. The lanky pacer played only four matches last term and took three wickets while conceding close to 10 runs per over.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Lions have released South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn along with some domestic players. Steyn, who is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury and will not return before June 2017, played just one match last term.
The same report claims two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders have released Jason Holder, John Hastings, Morne Morkel and Colin Munro. Morkel, who played a big role in helping Shahrukh Khan-owned team win their inaugural title in 2012, had a decent last season where he took 10 wickets from 10 matches but the pacer has been plagued by injuries in recent times and it seems that is the reason behind his ouster. On the other hand, Holder and Munro performed poorly while Hastings missed the majority of the season with an injury.
Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad have released T Suman, Ashish Reddy and Eoin Morgan. Meanwhile, no information has arrived from Mumbai Indians’ camp and last year’s runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore.