The 16th edition of the Indian Premier Leage (IPL) is all set to begin on March 31, 2023, and tis time things will be bigger and better. However, a reason for the IPL franchises to worry was the fact that many New Zealand players, who were integral parts of their teams in the cash rich league were set to miss out for the initial few days, as they were going to be part of the ODI series against Sri Lanka which ends on March 31. Now, it looks like this is about to end, as franchises can breathe a sigh of relief.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has decided to release 4 star players, including their captain Kane Williamson before the ODI series against Sri Lanka so that they can participate in the IPL. Tim Southee, Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner are the three other players who will be released by the board in order to facilitate them playing in the IPL.
Kane Williamson was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the IPL 2023 auction. He was picked up in the auction by reigning champions Gujarat Titans for a steal deal at his base price of Rs 2 crore. On the other hand Devon Conway is one of the most integral parts of the Chennai Super Kings lineup, having scored 252 runs for the franchise from 7 games in IPL 2022, thus emerging as one of the best openers in the league. Mitchell Santner plays for CSK too, and the all-rounder will be an integral part of the 4-time champions bid for another successful IPL. Tim Southee, will ply his trade for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023.
On the other hand, Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen and Glenn Philips will only play the first ODI on March 25. While Lockie Ferguson will play for the Kolkata Knight Riders after a swap deal with Gujarat Titans, Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips will be part of the the Royal Challengers Benglauru and Sunrisers Hyderabad franchises respectively.
