As deadline approaches, talk rife of a mega trade

As the deadline for the release and retention of players fast approaches in the Indian T20 League, conjecture is rife about mega trade deals between a couple of franchises. While the franchises involved have been reticent, talks are circulating about the plausible trade of a team skipper. Negotiations at several levels are advancing, but a deal is yet to be penned. 

Whether the parties will reach an agreement is still a matter of speculation, and it should be known in the coming two days when the transfer window and retention deadline ends. The website has contacted both parties, but they are yet to comment upon a possible trade. November 26 is the deadline day. 

Meanwhile, Chennai are preparing to release three more players so that they can head into the auction with nearly Rs 30 crore in funds. Besides Ben Stokes (Rs 16.25 crore), whom they have released, there is also surplus from Ambati Rayudu (Rs 6.75 crore), who hung his boots from the Indian T20 League last year. The management will also release South African duo of Dwaine Pretorious and Sisanda Magala and Kiwi’s Kyle Jamieson. 

Players like Shardul Thakur, Sam Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Harry Brook could also be released by their respective franchises, but it is highly unlikely that Kolkata will lay off Andre Russel, as is being talked about. Delhi may look for a big revamp, but the names are not disclosed. 

The auction, as already reported, will be held in Dubai on December 19. World Cup’s standout performers- Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchel Starc and Daryl Mitchell, among a few others, will be available for the bidding war, and the usual expectation is that up to 50 players will be purchased in the auction. The Indian T20 League is slated to commence in mid-March after the India-England five-test series which ends on March 11. 

For now, it has been learned that the auction of the Women’s edition will be organised in Mumbai on December 9. The salary cap for every team will be Rs 13.5 crore, and the league is probably to be held in February. Venues have not yet been confirmed but there could be numerous venues, if not a home-away leg, this time around.