IPL 2023: 5 franchises that might pick Taskin Ahmed at auction

After providing rocking T20 action to audiences in the 2022 edition, the Indian Premier League (IPL) will look to deliver more entertainment to its fans with superhit clashes among franchises in the 2023 edition. 

Talking about some magnificent performers in international cricket, Taskin Ahmed is one who has proved his mettle with his wicket-taking and economical bowling time and time again. In the last three multi-nation tournaments, he has been a consistent performer for the team with his outstanding bowling performances. In the T20 World Cup 2022, Taskin picked up eight wickets in five games at an economy rate of 7.27. 

With his current bowling form, he could attract a huge amount from the franchises at the mini-auction. In the 2022 season, Taskin was reportedly approached by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a replacement for the English speedster Mark Wood, but the Bangladesh quick couldn’t join the league as the Bangladesh Cricket Board didn't allow him.   

For the next season, these franchises could bid at the auction table to include him in their squads:

1. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

In IPL 2022, Punjab Kings (PBKS), once again failed to qualify for the playoffs but a lot of positives came out for the team after decent campaign. Some players such as Arshdeep Singh, Liam Livingstone, and Kagiso Rabada became assets for them and in the upcoming season, the management would also like to add more potential to the squad and Taskin's inclusion could be a step in that right direction.

In the last season, the franchise showed faith in the Jamaican cricketer Odean Smith but the West Indies bowler couldn’t impress with the ball. Given Smith’s poor show, the Kings could buy Taskin at the auction.

With the inclusion of the Bangladesh bowler, the team’s bowling unit will be strengthened. His ability to deliver breakthroughs in the initial overs could be a good reason for his inclusion in the team.