New Delhi: The 15th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) will witness a dramatic overhaul after addition of two new teams, Lucknow and Ahmedabad, making it a 10-team affair. The two new franchises, as per the rules, can retain a maximum of three players ahead of the IPL 2020 Mega Auction.
Meanwhile, a major update related to the Ahmedabad franchise has come to the fore. As per news agency PTI, Ahmedabad have finalised Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill as their draft picks for the upcoming IPL season.
“Ahmedabad has decided on its players and accordingly informed the BCCI about their draft picks. Hardik, Rashid and Shubman are the three choices,” a senior IPL official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“They wanted Ishan Kishan badly but it is understood that Ishan is more interested in going back to the auction and there is a high chance that MI might buy him at a premium price.”
According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, Ahmedabad will pay Rs 15 Crores INR to both Rashid and Hardik, while the franchise will bag Gill for Rs 7 Crores INR.
Earlier on January 10, PTI had reported all-rounder Hardik Pandya might be seen leading the Ahmedabad team in IPL 15.
Hardik Pandya has been part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise since his IPL debut in 2015. He was released by MI ahead of the upcoming IPL 2022 mega auction.
The all-rounder has been battling his fitness issues since the 2019 World Cup, after which he had to undergo back surgery.
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