The BCCI has fixed a deadline for the two new IPL franchises to submit their draft list by January 22. As per sources, the RPSG owned Lucknow franchise and the CVC Capitals owned Ahmedabad franchise engaged in a tough row to sign Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan.
The leg-spinner was previously a part of the SRH squad but was not retained by his old franchise ahead of the mega auctions. Though a formal announcement is awaited, reports suggest that the Ahemdanad franchise has succeeded to sign Rashid Khan for the upcoming IPL season.
Deadline to announce draft picks announced
The BCCI has officially handed over the LOI to both the franchises on January 10. Both the teams have also appointed their coaching management with the mega auctions a few weeks away.
Former Indian speedster Ashish Nehra will be the Head Coach of the Ahmedabad franchise and will have 2011 WC-winning coach Gary Kirsten as the mentor of the camp. Both Nehra and Kirsten have been part of the RCB coaching management in previous editions of the league. Ex-Engish cricketer Vikram Solanki is set to be the Director of Cricket-cum-Batting coach for the Ahemdabad based team.
Pandya in Ahmedbad , KL Rahul in Lucknow franchise
The RPSG owned Lucknow franchise roped in Former Zimbabwe Coach Andy Flower as their Coach. 2 times IPL winning captain and 2007 WT20I champion Gautum Gambhir will be the mentor of the franchise.
As per the BCCI dictum, the franchises are forbidden to announce their signed players formally before the final date. But if reports are to be believed, some major developments in both the camps are doing rounds in the media circle.
IPL mega auction on February 12-13
IPL superstar Hardik Pandya would probably be leading his home side, the Ahemdabad team in IPL 2022. The franchise is also in talks with former DC captain Shreyas Iyer to be a part of the squad. Former PBKS captain and Team India’s vice-captain KL Rahul might be seen as the captain of the Lucknow franchise. Sources say, the franchise has signed contracts with top DC cricketers like Kagiso Rabada and Marcus Stoinis in their squad.
The IPL mega auction is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. The BCCI is assessing the Covid scenario in the country and will make the final call on the venue for the cricket festival soon. The 15th edition of the IPL will also get a new title sponsor after the TATA Group replaced VIVO in a recent deal with BCCI.
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