Ashwin will be moving on to another IPL franchise for the next season.
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) co-owner Ness Wadia on Wednesday (November 6) said that the franchise and Ravichandran Ashwin have amicably decided to part ways while confirming that the deal with Delhi Capitals is not yet sealed. Ashwin who was the captain of KXIP in the last two seasons, will be playing for another franchise in the 2020 season.
KL Rahul is expected to take up the mantle as captain after the departure of Ashwin. Former Indian head coach, Anil Kumble was earlier confirmed as the new Director of Operations and head coach of the franchise, replacing New Zealand's Mike Hesson.
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KXIP is currently negotiating deals with multiple franchises, even while reports suggested that Ashwin is likely to be traded with Delhi Capitals in exchange for two players, who could be Trent Boult and J Suchith.
Wadia told PTI, "We (Ashwin and KXIP) have amicably come to a conclusion that we should part ways and now we are trying to get the best fit, best solution for everyone. We are talking to a few teams to see where the best fit is and the best value comes for both Ashwin and ourselves. We want the best deal for everyone,"
"I know there is a lot of speculation but we are still talking. Ashwin is a very good, versatile player. Any team would love to have him. We are talking to a few different teams (including Delhi) and as soon as we are clear, we will announce it."
Under Ashwin's captaincy, Kings XI Punjab started off with a bang in both seasons but lost steam and failed to qualify for the playoffs despite the presence of some superstars like Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, David Miller and Ashwin himself.
Ashwin has previously played for Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiant. The announcement of Ashwin's trade-off will have to be made by November 14 when the IPL transfer window closes. The IPL Auction is set for December 19 in Kolkata.
(With PTI inputs)