Rohit Sharma opens up on the concept of Mid-season Transfer

What's the story?

The IPL has long been a breeding ground for path-breaking innovations that has proceeded to push the envelope for the franchise based leagues. The latest entrant to the coveted list of innovations is the Mid-season transfer, a common practice in soccer leagues.

The concept has found acceptance by Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma.

"The mid-season transfer window will give the teams an opportunity to see what they need in the squad and other teams will also be looking at what players they can get. It completely depends on the franchise if the situation comes when we need to get a player or give a player. It is good for the tournament and will add even more value to it," the Mumbai Indians captain asserted.

In case you don't know...

For the first time in the history of the IPL, there will be a mid-season transfer window allowing teams to trade uncapped players and cricketers who have not played more than two games till the mid-way stage of the competition.The idea was proposed at an IPL workshop meeting in November 2017.

In January, earlier this year, the proposal was accepted, to which Rajiv Shukla had said, "yes, this time the IPL will see mid-season transfers."

"The transfer will take place in between match number 28 to 42 and the transfer window will be open for roughly five days. The transfer will take place only if there is a demand for that particular player from another franchisee," according to an IPL official.

Authors Take

The calls for Mid-season transfer first gained momentum in 2016 when Dale Steyn was consigned to the Gujarat Lions bench when other teams were in desperate need of a fast bowler.

The addition of Mid-season transfer will not only add intrigue to the magnanimity of the IPL, but it will also give a chance to the benched players as well as the franchises to strengthen their squad halfway through the tournament.