IPL Auction 2024: Captain of a franchise likely to be traded, top players to be released, says report

With the 26 November deadline for the Indian Premier League (IPL) retention and release nearing ahead of the 2024 season, there is a speculation going on regarding a mega trade deal between two franchises.  According to a report in Cricbuzz, talks have been reported to be taking place regarding the possibility of a trade deal of an unnamed team captain. The report goes onto add that the negotiations have got underway at different levels, although an official deal is yet to be signed. It, however, remains to be see if the two franchises would come to an agreement, but there should be a clearer picture on this in the next couple of days, when the transfer window as well as the retention deadline close. Meanwhile, England all-rounder Ben Stokes has already been released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and the defending champions are gearing up to release three more players to ensure they enter the IPL auction with a purse close to Rs 30 crore. Ambati Rayudu and Dwaine Pretorius could be released, and so could either of Kyle Jamieson and Sisanda Magala. The report adds that Sam Curran, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, Harry Brook and Shardul Thakur are among the other players who could be released. However, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are yet to take a call on whether to release Andre Russell or not. The IPL 2024 Player Auction is scheduled to take place in Dubai on 19 December. This will be the first time the auction takes place outside India. Some stars from the World Cup, including Rachin Ravindra, Travis Head, Pat Cummins and Daryl Mitchell will come under the hammer. According to the report, the IPL is likely to commence in mid-March following the fuve-match Test series between India and England that ends on 11 March.