IPL 2022: With the induction of Lucknow and Ahmedabad, IPL 2022 is set to become a 10-team affair. Apart from the two new franchises, the other eight have already released their list of retained players. Numerous stars – domestic and international – of the game are up for grab for the IPL 2022 mega auction which is bound to take place in January sometime. Follow IPL 2022 updates on InsideSport.IN.
Also Read: IPL 2022 Auction MVPs: From Dwayne Bravo to Faf du Plessis, 5 most valuable players on franchises’ radar- check out
But ahead of all the actions, eyes will be on the player draft where Lucknow and Ahmedabad will be able to spend Rs 33 crore each to avail the services of three players. The two franchises will be allowed to sign three players with a price bracket of Rs 15 crore, Rs 11 crore and Rs 7 crore respectively.
Who are the likely players to be drafted by Lucknow ahead of IPL 2020 mega action?
- The RPSG group-owned Lucknow are very likely to appoint KL Rahul as their captain. The right-hand opener had earlier requested Punjab Kings (PBKS) to not retain him. The same was revealed by PBKS head coach Anil Kumble on the day of IPL 2020 retention deadline. According to the information coming in from sources, as reported earlier Lucknow team will be led by KL Rahul & coached by former England batting coach Andy Flower.
- Rashid Khan, the former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) leg-spinner, is also in line to join the the UP-based franchise.
- Former RCB star Yuzvendra Chahal and Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan can also be roped in by the franchise. Their inclusion can enhance the team’s star power by leaps and bound.
Note: InsideSport.IN has learnt that former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower will coach the Lucknow Franchise. Not only the sources have also informed InsideSport that the new team has also confirmed a title sponsorship deal with a leading international brand.
Who are the likely players to be drafted by Ahmedabad ahead of IPL 2020 mega action?
- Former Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Shreyas Iyer followed the footsteps of KL Rahul and decided against being retained by his franchise. Iyer, had captained DC to the IPL 2021 final but was relieved from his duty in the following season after his shoulder injury during the England ODIs. He gained fitness ahead of the second leg in the UAE but the franchise persisted to stay with Rishabh Pant as the captain. The 27-year-old is in hunt of a leadership rule and Ahmedabad might just be the place for him.
- The discarded Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) star is in search of a new den. Ever since it came to the fore that he would not continue with the 2016 champions, the southpaw has been linked to numerous franchises and Ahmedabad is one of them. The newly-formed franchise could gain heavily from the experience and the massive fan following of the southpaw.
- Hardik Pandya not being retained as the Mumbai Indians (MI) was expected but the development was massive regardless. The dipping form of the all-rounder has been a concern but there is no doubt that Pandya is best suited for white-ball cricket, especially the shortest format of the game. In Hardik Pandya, Ahmedabad gets a local face and a genuine all-rounder who can turn the game on its head effortlessly on his day.
When will both franchises finalized their 3 signings?
As per the earlier deadline, both new franchises were given deadline to finalise 3 signings by December 25th. But as the CVC Capital-owned Ahmedabad IPL team still awaits BCCI’s clearances over their alleged connection with betting firms, now it’s clear that the timelines will be pushed to the New Year. The BCCI is yet to announce the new deadline. If the Ahmedabad franchise issue is sorted by the next week, new teams can be given 15-20 days window to finalise their signings.
InsideSport has learnt that the officials representing CVC Capital have parked themselves in Mumbai but are yet to hear from the board.
This means the IPL 2022 Mega Auctions will now be pushed to 3rd or 4th week of January 2022.
IPL 2022: KL Rahul likely to captain Lucknow, Ahmedabad might rope in Shreyas Iyer, David Warner ahead of mega auction
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