As per several reports, the new Lucknow Premier League franchise has pulled one over their Ahmedabad counterparts, emerging as the first team to contact Afghan superstar Rashid Khan over a possible draft agreement ahead of the IPL Mega Auctions, scheduled for February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. The CVC Capital-owned franchise has reportedly sent a contract to the wrist-spinner, but it appears that Rashid has not made his decision as of yet.
The two new franchises are currently in the process of securing up to three players prior to the mega auction, and both teams will be aiming to build a solid core with this opportunity. It is unlikely that either team will pick up less than three players, considering that auction dynamics could play spoilsport if they decide to do so, which might have a detrimental impact on the balance of the squads.
However, both franchises will be competing against each other to get hold of the top names that have not been retained by the eight existing franchises
Both franchises have been courting Rashid for a few weeks now, and it seems that things have been heating up since January 10, when the Lucknow franchise was given the green signal following a controversy into some of the group’s holdings, which allegedly includes a sports betting company as well.
The Ahmedabad franchise was tipped to pick former Delhi captain Shreyas Iyer to lead them in their debut season, but things seem to have changed, as the franchise have all but chosen Hardik Pandya for the role. Reports have also suggested that another Mumbai Indians alumnus, Ishan Kishan, is also on Ahmedabad’s radar, with the side keen on securing his signature.
Some sources have also reported that CVC Capital have come to agreements with Gary Kirsten, Ashish Nehra, and Vikram Solanki for coaching roles. However, there has not been any official communications from the franchise regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, the Lucknow franchise are believed to be extremely close to signing Indian white-ball vice-captain KL Rahul, in what would possibly be the biggest signing of the season. Also keen to sign Rashid Khan, the franchise are aware of the situation and have lined up Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and South African speedster Kagiso Rabada as backup options.
The IPL Mega Auction is scheduled for February 12-13 at Bengaluru but could face further postponement, with COVID-19 cases increasing all over the country.
