CSK To Release Ben Stokes, Lockie Ferguson Could Be Released By KKR - Reports

England National Cricket Team red-ball captain and champion all-rounder, Ben Stokes, is all set to be released by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, according to the latest reports in Cricbuzz.

Stokes is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world and he has the ability to thrive under pressure situations. The all-rounder has done an absolutely sensational job since becoming the full-time England captain in Test cricket and he has already shown his prowess in the white-ball cricket.

However, the all-rounder is battling a knee issue and he hasn’t been able to contribute as a bowler for quite some time now. Ben Stokes played the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 for England after taking back his ODI retirement as a pure batter and in the Ashes 2023, he didn’t contribute much with his pace-bowling either.

The 32-year-old was the third most expensive player at the IPL 2023 mini-auction as he was acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 16.25 crore. However, he was able to take part only in two matches.

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is all set to be released by Chennai Super Kings. He will undergo knee surgery very soon and might be doubtful for the next edition of the IPL. Reportedly, the CSK management doesn’t want to take any risks regarding his availability. Also, there hasn’t been any clear communication between the two parties regarding the all-rounder’s availability for the next season of IPL.

We would not consider releasing Ben Stokes if he could be available – CSK official

A CSK official while speaking to Cricbuzz, said that the unavailability of Ben Stokes for the next season is the reason they have decided to release him.

“We would not consider releasing Stokes if he could be available because he is a big match player, and we hold him in the highest regard. But if he can’t make it to the season, we will have blocked Rs 16 crore with which we could acquire some quality players.”

Talking about another major release, according to the same Cricbuzz report, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are looking to part ways with the premier New Zealand National Cricket Team pacer Lockie Ferguson. He was traded in by the franchise from Gujarat Titans (GT) who acquired the pacer for a whopping INR 10 crore in 2022. The reason behind the release is the injury history of the right-arm express pacer.

There were speculations about Shardul Thakur and Harshal Patel being traded by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), but it will reportedly not happen.

The player auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to be held on December 19 in Dubai. The event will clash with the second ODI of the SA vs IND series in Gqeberha.

The upcoming player auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be a mini-auction and it will be a one-day event. A mini-auction was also held for the IPL 2023 and it saw some of the most expensive players sold in the history of the event.

Also, the deadline for the trade between the franchises has been set as November 19 and they will have to announce the retention list by November 26.