PBKS co-owner opines on Lucknow franchise approaching KL Rahul before release

Punjab Kings announced two retentions for the upcoming seasons of the IPL. The franchise wanted to retain KL Rahul who led the team but the batter wanted to go into the auction. However, the franchise co-owner feels that if he was approached by other franchises even before he was released, then it is unethical going by the BCCI guidelines.

Though Punjab Kings couldn’t make a larger impact in the tournament, Rahul has been exceptional for the side. He finished the last season as the highest run-getter of the side with 626 runs from 13 matches. However, as per the recent reports, the new franchise Lucknow had approached the keeper-batter even before Punjab franchise had released him.

“We wanted to retain Rahul but he wanted to go back into the auction. If he has been approached by another franchise before that, it would be unethical,” Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia said as quoted by News 18 Cricket Next.

He also opened up on the talks of Rahul being approached by Lucknow. He said, “I hope not because that is against the guidelines set by the BCCI.”

Punjab Kings co-owner on the players they retained

The franchise retained Mayank Agarwal and Arshdeep Singh for the upcoming seasons of the high-profile tournament. With only two retentions, Punjab Kings will now enter the mega auction with a purse of INR 72 crores.

“We are really happy about retaining Mayank and Arshdeep. Mayank has been a phenomenal player for us, really loyal to the franchise. Arshdeep also has been with us for a while and I can only see him improving. I see him playing for India in the near future,” said Wadia.

Punjab hasn’t had an impressive outing in the tournament in recent years. Thus, with only two retentions, the management might be planning to build on a new team altogether. Wadia shed light on these aspects and hoped that they are able to get the right combination at the auction.

“At Punjab Kings, I don’t think we have done as well as we should have and could have. We could have definitely done better. The most important thing is we strive to ensure the players and staff get the freedom they deserve and there is unity among them. One has to now look at continuing that spirit. Hopefully, we will get the right combination at the auction and we go forward from there,” Wadia added.