The Indian Premier League is the most competitive and popular league in the world, with some high-profile names featuring in the competition. Franchises are constantly on the lookout for quality players, who can strengthen their respective teams, but they also do not shy away from releasing their star players, if required.
READ: Complete list of released players.
With the 10th season of the IPL set to take shape next year, teams have already taken some major decisions. Reports suggest that around 40 players have been released before the December 16deadline came to an end yesterday.
When it comes to releasing players, franchises have to think it out properly, and one normally witnesses teams that finished at the bottom eliminate several players. The same has happened with Rising Pune Supergiants, who have released 10 players, including stars like Kevin Pietersen.
RPS were a poor team last season, and it comes as no surprise that they decided to do way with such a large number of players. However, there were some surprises as well, with last season's champion Sunrisers Hyderabad deciding to part ways with Eoin Morgan. They have also released Ashish Reddy and T Suman.
The Kolkata Knight Riders have also released a few players, the notable among them being Morne Morkel, Jason Holder, John Hastings and Colin Munro. Pawan Negi will also be in auction as Delhi Daredevils have let go of their all-rounder. However, there is no official confirmation about the release of players from Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
With such star players out of so many teams, the IPL 2017 auction in Bengaluru is going to be interesting, and one can expect some bidding war among these franchises. All the franchises will come with a clear strategy, and try to fill in the slots that are vacant for their teams.
However, the past IPL auctions have shown that the franchises need to have Plan B, and also Plan C, if they are not able to get the player of their choice.
