IPL 2023: 5 most expensive players released ahead of mini auction

Following the abrupt conclusion of team India’s T20 World Cup campaign, all eyes were fixated on the retention process of the forthcoming edition of the IPL. All 10 sides participating in the league were made to submit the final list of players before the deadline on Tuesday, November 15.

Franchises began ideating for the competition even prior to the marquee event that was held in Australia recently. Moreover, the sides kept their cards close to their chests until the final day before submitting the list of retained and released players ahead of the auction.

Quite a few interesting names were traded just days prior to the submission of the final list. Moreover, few big names have been released by the sides making their cold call as they head into the auction without the services of the few ‘biggies’ on their side. In any case, with the remaining purse in hand, franchises will look to bolster their squad by using the auction to their advantage and have an edge over other sides.

Kane Williamson was the first name on the list of most expensive players who were released by the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The player was retained by the side in the previous edition for INR 14 crores. However, after finishing eighth in the league last edition despite having a solid start of five wins, Hyderabad had things to work for the 2023 season. As they have now made the bold move of moving into the next season without Kane Williamson, who was their captain last edition, the franchise will need to figure out a player who can fit well in the role.

The Punjab Kings decided to part ways with Mayank Agarwal as they released the player ahead of the auction. The right-hander fetched the same amount as Williamson, 14 Cr. but fell below the management’s expectations. Despite having a strong team last season, former skipper Mayank Agarwal’s side finished sixth in the points table. the 31-year-old from Bangalore scored just 196 runs in 13 outings at an average of 16.33.

Another one of the Sunrisers, Nicholas Pooran, was also left out of the squad as he will now be made available for the forthcoming mini-auction next month. Pooran was roped in for a mammoth 10.75 Cr., making him the third most expensive player getting released ahead of the 2023 auction. Moreover, Pooran had become the most expensive West Indian ever bought at an auction but failed to add any threat for the side in the season.

One of the biggest surprises was the move made by Lucknow Super Giants as they released Jason Holder from the side. The player was bought for a massive amount of 8.75 Cr. which makes him fall in the list of most expensive players released ahead of the auction.

Romario Shepherd was snapped by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 7.75 crore in 2022 mega-auction. The pacer holds the reputation of a nippy fast bowler and a hard-hitter coming lower down the order. However, the player could not prove to be a vital asset for the SRH side thereby being released from the squad.

Top 5 most expensive players released ahead of mini auction-