With the Indian Premier League set for its 10th edition in April next year, as many as 40 players have been released by their respective franchises. The biggest name that was on the list was clearly England discard Kevin Pietersen, who was released by Pune Super Giants. Apart from him, Englishmen Eoin Morgan and Chris Jordan have also been released by their respective teams. The only English players that have been retained are Jos Butler by Mumbai Indians and Sam Billings by Delhi Daredevils.
Fast bowlers Dale Steyn, Trent Boult and Mitchell Johnson will also enter the auction, which is set to take place on February 4 in Bengaluru. Steyn was purchased in the auction by the Gujarat Lions last season, but he played just one game. He has already ruled himself out of the next edition as he is recovering from a shoulder surgery.
Among the Indians, all-rounder Pawan Negi, who was purchased for Rs 8.5 crore by Delhi Daredevils last season, has been released. Negi played eight matches for Delhi and was disastrous to say the least. Mumbai Indians released Corey Anderson and Martin Guptill, among others. For Kolkata Knight Riders, Morne Morkel, Jason Holder, Bradd Hogg were the notable releases.