Ace batter-keeper KL Rahul decided to part ways with Punjab Kings (PBKS) franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, but the team management and owners are apparently unhappy with his decision to not agree to be retained.
Rahul had replaced R Ashwin as captain ahead of the 2020 season and though he did excel with the bat, he failed to take the team to play-offs. PBKS is not happy with Rahul going into the auction despite getting "all the freedom" as captain over the past two seasons and says it would be unethical if he has already been approached by a new franchise.
Now it has been reported that the RPSG group-owned Lucknow franchise has approached KL Rahul with an offer of INR 20 crores to join their team and become their captain. And PBKS team has an objection it, terming it illegal as per BCCI guidelines and unethical as well.
"We wanted to retain Rahul but he wanted to go back into the auction. If he has been approached by another franchise before that, it would be unethical. I hope not (on reports on Rahul being lured by Lucknow) because that is against the guidelines set by the BCCI,” PBKS co-owner Ness Wadia told PTI.
In a similar incident in 2010, Ravindra Jadeja was banned for a year from playing in IPL for trying to negotiate a deal with other teams even before he had been released by his then team Rajasthan Royals.
New teams Lucknow and Ahmedabad have time till December 25 to pick three available players who were released on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, with Rahul gone from the team, PBKS is now interested in bringing back R Ashwin into the fold, who was not retained by Delhi Capitals (DC).
"We are really happy about retaining Mayank and Arshdeep. Mayank has been a phenomenal player for us, really loyal to the franchise. Arshdeep also has been with us for a while and I can only see him improving. I see him playing for India in the near future," said Wadia.
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Wadia also mentioned that they wanted to negotiate a deal with young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi as well, but said that he was convinced by a senior teammate to make himself available to other teams.
On Mohammad Shami’s release, Wadia said, “He is a great player. We negotiated with him and at least there was engagement from him. We would look to buy him back in the auction if he is available.”
"At Punjab Kings, I don't think we have done as well as we should have and could have. We could have definitely done better. The most important thing is we strive to ensure the players and staff get the freedom they deserve and there is unity among them. One has to now look at continuing that spirit. Hopefully we will get the right combination at the auction and we go forward from there,” Wadia signed off.
(PTI inputs)
