BCCI is also yet to decide whether the IPL will happen in India or not even though Board President Sourav Ganguly has repeatedly asserted that everything possible would be done to keep the glitzy event at its home.
Steve Smith have been released by Rajasthan Royals franchise ahead of the IPL 2021 auction while Sanju Samson was appointed skipper. Likes of Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, Moeen Ali, Chris Morris, Jason Roy and Tom Banton have been released while Lasith Malinga have retired from franchise cricket.
BCCI: IPL Auction To Be Held On February 18 Though Venue Is Yet To Be Decided
The IPL players auction ahead of the 2021 season is likely to be held on February 18, a BCCI official told PTI on Friday. The BCCI is also yet to decide whether the IPL will be in India or abroad like IPL 2020 for Covid-19. The 2020 edition was held in the UAE in September-November due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The auction will be held on February 18. The venue is yet to be decided,” the official said.
A smooth conduct of India’s home series against England in Chennai, Ahmedabad and Pune from next month should pave the way for the lucrative league to be held at home. The player retention deadline for IPL 2021 ended on January 20 and the trading window closes on February 4.
Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, Moeen Ali, Chris Morris, Tom Banton Released From IPL Franchises Squad
Top Australian draws like Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell were released from Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab respectively on the last day of the retention deadline. The Australian former skipper Steve Smith scored 311 runs from 14 games in the last season as the franchise finished last-eighth in the points table in extremely competitive IPL 2020. Sanju Samson has been named as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals.
Australian limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch and England all-rounder Moeen Ali along with South Africa’s Chris Morris have been shown the door for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Delhi Capitals has decided to part ways with Jason Roy, Sandeep Lamichhane, Alex Carey and Mohit Sharma.
Kolkata Knight Riders have also decided to part ways with flamboyant English opener Tom Banton after buying him in IPL 2019 auction pool.
Lasith Malinga, who has now retired from franchise cricket, highlighted the list of released players of MI which also included James Pattinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan and all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford. Uncapped players Digvijay Deshmukh and Prince Balwant Rai were also released.