The preparation for the new 10-team IPL has already begun. Lucknow and Ahmedabad are the two new teams that will be taking part in this tournament this year. The Indian cricket board asked both these franchises to complete signing of three players each by January 22. Reportedly Ahmedabad secured the services of Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, and Shubman Gill.
Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill are set to be roped in by the Ahmedabad franchise according to a report published in ESPNcricinfo. Hardik will be leading the team in the next season of Indian Premier League that will be the first of Ahmedabad. The BCCI gave the purse of INR 90 crore to the two franchises, same as the old franchises but they got chance of retaining a maximum of five players. The report further suggested that Hardik and Rashid will earn INR 15 crore each while Shubman is signed for INR 7 crore.
“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. The source added, added, “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.”
Hardik was released from Mumbai Indians where he played for long as Mumbai decide to retain Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav over him. Rashid Khan decided to leave Sunrisers Hyderabad who retained Kane Williamson, Umran Malik and Abdul Samad. For Shubman Gill, after a brief stint with Kolkata Knight Riders it is time for a new beginning with Ahmedabad.
The franchise has also finalised its coaching staff with Ashish Nehra, Gary Kirsten and Vikram Solanki. Earlier the trio has worked together for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the league.
