With just a few weeks left in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions, IPL franchises have been mulling over the players that they should retain for IPL 2018.
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The Governing Council of the IPL recently revealed new rules about player retention policy. The new changes have been a cause of frustration for other franchisees, who believe that favours are being given to the returning franchises, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals
Both the teams are returning after serving a two-year suspension after the 2015 edition of the IPL.
Since they are making a comeback after a two-year absence, the teams have been allowed to retain players from the squad that were picked by the make-shift franchises of Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions.
Reports suggest that some franchises are unhappy with that decision, as neither CSK nor RR have a contract with any player currently.
According to a source reported by the Telegraph, the franchises argued that if this was the case, then every player should have been introduced into the auction.
“It’s common sense that a franchise can retain simply those players on its rolls. But neither the Super Kings nor the Rajasthan Royals have a single player with them at this point in time… Why should the two franchises retain on the basis of their 2015 squads? If that had to be done, then every single player ought to have gone into the upcoming full-fledged auction.”
The source further blamed the governing council for showing bias towards the two sides.
“Clearly, some people have a vested interest, which is why a blatantly unfair policy has been forced into place. I’d say it’s even ridiculous at one level.”
The source also resisted that since both the returning franchises did not pay any fee to the players, and thus they should not be allowed to retain a player.
On the other hand, 2-time IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders are in a dilemma, whether to retain captain Gautam Gambhir or not.
Gautam Gambhir has captained the side since 2011, winning two trophies with them.
Even though Gambhir is among the highest scorers in the history of the tournament, he is merely a shadow of his former best. Moreover, with players like Sunil Narine, Manish Pandey and Andre Russell in their squad, KKR might consider retaining these players. However, if the management feels Gambhir is important to the team, they can acquire his services through the Right-To-Match (RTM) card.
The IPL Auction for the eleventh edition of the IPL is due to be held on the 27th and 28th of January 2018.
