Big names such as England’s Kevin Pietersen, South Africa’s Dale Steyn, Australia’s Mitchell Johnson and England limited overs captain Eoin Morgan have been let go off by their respective IPL franchises.
Steyn was purchased in the auction by the Gujarat Lions last season, but he played just one game in IPL 2016. He has already ruled himself out of the next edition of the IPL as he recovers from a shoulder surgery.
The Rising Pune Supergiants have released around 10 players after their disastrous performance last season, where they finished second from bottom.
Apart from Pietersen, the Pune-based franchise have let go of Indian pacers Ishant Sharma and Irfan Pathan, mystery spinner Murugan Ashwin and a few others.
Mitchell Johnson in IPL 2016
- Matches: 3
- Wickets: 2
- Average: 53.00
- Economy Rate: 9.63
Kolkata Knight Riders have also been active in freeing up slots as they have let go of South African speedster Morne Morkel, West Indies captain Jason Holder, Australian pacer John Hastings and New Zealand’s hard-hitting batsman Colin Munro.
Delhi Daredevils, on the other hand, have released Pawan Negi who was bought for ₹8.5 cr [Dh5.1m] last season.
Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad have found Morgan and New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult surplus to requirements.
The auction will take place in Bengaluru on February 4, 2017.