IPL 2020: Financial negotiations stall Ravichandran Ashwin’s transfer to Delhi Capitals

The saga over the trade of Ravichandran Ashwin from Kings XI Punjab to Delhi Capitals continues to be dragged. Earlier media reports suggested that both the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are close to striking a deal for the ace spinner. Ashwin led Kings XI Punjab in the last two seasons but the outfit is now all set to part ways with him as they eye an overhaul in their quest to win their first-ever IPL title.

Delhi Capitals showed interest in the Tamil Nadu ace and did not waste much time in approaching the Kings XI. The Delhi-based capital had a very promising outing in the last season when they made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2012. And in order to build on that season, they seem to add more experienced players to their young and exciting squad.

However, the deal seems to have reached an impasse due to financial reasons. According to Mumbai Mirror, Ashwin’s transfer to the Delhi Capitals has received a setback as the spin bowler has been unable to negotiate terms with his current franchise. As of now, there is no clarity over where would Ashwin end up in the next season.

According to IPL norms, the buying franchise will have to ensure the player’s salary remains the same apart or increases apart from paying a transfer fee. In addition, the player can also demand as much as half of the transfer fees for himself. Ashwin, who was bought by R 7.6 crore by Kings XI, has reportedly failed to find common ground with his current team.

KXIP CEO denies

Satish Menon, the CEO of Kings XI, has denied the reports, saying that there is no tussle going on between Ravichandran Ashwin and the franchise. The official said that the sale is not going ahead since the board has not given the permission as of now. He also said that the board officials are yet to talk on Ashwin’s deal.

“I can say there is no such issue and the sale would happen only when the board of the franchise gives the go-ahead. Ashwin was in the UK for county games till recently and our board has not met yet,” KXIP CEO Satish Menon was quoted as saying by Times Now.

Ashwin, meanwhile, will represent his fourth team in IPL if the deal goes through. Before playing for Kings XI, he represented the Rising Pune Supergiants and Chennai Super Kings. In his long IPL career, he has played 139 games so far, picking up a total of 125 wickets.