Kevin Pietersen, Dale Steyn, Eoin Morgan among others released by IPL franchises

Ahead of IPL 2017, some big ticket players have been released by the franchises. These players include Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel among others as reported by mid-day.

After the deadline for the release of the players expired yesterday, as many as 40 players have got the axe from their respective franchises. Rising Pune Supergiants, which made its debut last season led the way by releasing close to 10 players.

Gujarat Lions too have let go a number of players, and according to reports Delhi Daredevils have decided to release Pawan Negi, who was a big purchase in the previous season, but could not do justice to the price tag.

However, Pune have made few bold moves and have allowed players like Ishant Sharma, Irfan Pathan and Murugan Ashwin to go.

Kolkata Knight Riders too, have given West Indies captain, Jason Holder the boot. They have also released John Hastings (Australia), Colin Munro (New Zealand) and Morne Morkel (South Africa).

Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad have let go local players in Ashish Reddy and T Suman. Also, Eoin Morgan who is the captain of England’s ODI squad has got the axe.

Reports have also emerged that Gujarat Lions have decided to do away with Dale Steyn along with a bunch of local players.

Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore have not come up with any official statement, and thus the state of their players is not yet known.

Releasing players is more a tactical move by the franchises as it then allows them a certain increase in the purse ahead of the next season’s auctions and transfer window.

The tournament, however, is facing a washout owing to the tiff between the Lodha Panel and the BCCI. The 10th edition of the League is likely to start from the 5th of April, a week after the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, even after this short window, no contracts have been signed so far. Several arrangements which include player auctions to planning logistics, hiring of creative and management agencies and various advertisements have all been stalled owing to the lack of funds and no blueprint.

The ball is now fairly and squarely in the court of the Supreme Court, and the verdict could well decide the future of the league.