Teams reveal changes ahead of IPL auction
RAJASTHAN RELEASE SMITH WHILE KEEPING ENGLAND STARS AS MALINGA HANGS UP T20 BOWLING BOOTS
THE Indian Premier League (IPL) big spenders Rajasthan Royals have announced they will not be keeping Australian star batsman and captain Steve Smith for this year’s contest, while the league’s highest wicket taker Lasith Malinga has retired from all Twenty20 contests.
The Royals decision is a second recent blow for Smith after being in the Australian side that was beaten by India in a Test series at home.
The Royals have however retained England stars Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer in their team.
“Steve has been a great
player and great leader for the Royals, and we want to thank him for his contribution to the franchise,” said Royals owner Manoj Badale.
Sanju Samson will be the new captain. The Indian batsman played 14 matches in the 2020 IPL, which was played behind closed doors in the United Arab Emirates because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Smith contributed a century and two 50s for Australia in the Test series won by India 2-1, and will still be a top draw in the IPL auction due to be held next month.
Sri Lankan fast bowler Malinga, 37, has been with the Mumbai Indians for 12 seasons, taking 170 wickets. However, he pulled out of the 2020 competition which the side won for their fifth title.
“After discussing with family, I think now is the right time to retire from all franchise cricket,” Malinga said.
“The pandemic situation and the restrictions on travel will make it difficult for me, given my personal circumstances, to participate fully in franchise cricket for the next year and therefore it is best to make this decision now.”
The Indians have also released pace trio Nathan Coulter-Nile and James Pattinson from Australia, and New Zealand’s Mitchell McClenaghan.
Meanwhile Australia’s Marcus Stoinis will stay on for his franchise Delhi Capitals along with South African quick Kagiso Rabada. But the side have released England batsman Jason Roy.
King’s XI Punjab, among the poor performers in 2020, have released Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell. The franchise said they will be keeping 41-year-old West Indian Chris Gayle, who will be looking to add to his record 13,500 runs in T20 cricket.
The IPL, the world’s wealthiest cricket tournament, is expected to start in April. However, the venues, and if the tournament will even be held in India, still hasn’t been finalised because of the pandemic.