The much-awaited IPL 2024 auction is all set to be held in Dubai on December 19. With more than just a month to go for the auction, the franchises are planning the players they would like to release.

While all the development is happening backdoor, a report published in Cricbuzz claims that defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are thinking about releasing Ben Stokes ahead of the auction.

It is learnt that Stokes will undergo surgery on his left knee, with a recovery period of approximately two months.

According to the report, CSK officials are not willing to take a chance as the England Test skipper might not be available for the entire duration of the IPL, scheduled for March-May 2024.

"We would not consider releasing Stokes if he could be available because he is a big match player, and we hold him in the highest regard. But if he can't make it to the season, we will have blocked Rs 16 crore with which we could acquire some quality players," Cricbuzz quoted a CSK official as saying.

Ben Stokes, who was roped in by CSK for a whopping sum of INR 16.25 crore in the last min-auction, played only two matches in the IPL 2023 season. The all-rounder picked up a toe injury in the third game and could not play the rest of the tournament.

In another potential move, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are likely to release New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson from their squad ahead of the auction.

Ferguson was signed by Gujarat Titans for INR 10 crore in 2022, but he was later traded to KKR in 2023. Due to his injury history, the KKR management is reportedly contemplating his release.

The 10 IPL teams have to unveil the list of retentions and releases by November 26.

(Cricbuzz Inputs)