Kings XI Punjab is the latest Indian Premier League franchise to go for a name change as they search for better fortunes in 14th edition 9f the Indian Premier League. The former finalists, searching for an elusive IPL title, are set to be called Punjab Kings in IPL 2021.
As per reports of Cricbuzz, the franchise has already made a formal communication to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and it is also reported that they have received the approval for the same. It is also understood that the Mohali-based franchise will be announcing the big news and all the other developments in a grand launch event probably on the eve of the auction event i.e. 17th February.
Kings XI Punjab has been one of the most underperforming teams in the history of the league, with their best being a 3rd place finish. They are among the few sides who are yet to win the title and they would hope that the change of the name will bring about a change of fortunes.
With the move, KXIP has joined the list of teams who changed their name. Before IPL 2018, the Delhi Daredevils’ management changed the franchise’s name to Delhi Capitals. A season before that, Rising Pune Supergiants had changed their name to Rising Pune Supergiant.
Going into the IPL 2021 auction, KXIP has a purse of Rs 53.2 crore. Meanwhile, the Punjab side has released some big names. Australia’s big-hitting batsman Glenn Maxwell, West Indian pacer Sheldon Cottrell, Afghan spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham have all been let go of by Punjab. Maxwell had a disastrous outing in the 13th IPL edition and scored just 108 runs at a meagre average of 15.43.
Apart from these big names, the other players who have been released by Punjab are Krishnappa Gowtham, Hardus Viljoen, and Karun Nair.
List of Players Retained by KXIP
KL Rahul (C), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, Ishan Porel, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, M Ashwin, Harpreet Brar, Darshan Nalkande, Chris Jordan, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh.
List of Players Released by KXIP
Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, K Gowtham, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Jimmy Neesham, Hardus Viljoen and Karun Nair, J Suchith, Tajinder Singh Dhillon
