IPL 2024: Brook, Curran, Southee, Ferguson, Shardul likely to be released ahead of auction

The eagerly awaited IPL 2024 mini-auction is set for December 19 in Dubai and there is speculation about a massive trade between two Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises as the deadline for player retention and release draws near. The teams must submit their retention lists by November 26, marking the final day for player trades.

While negotiations are underway at various levels and deals are yet to to be finalised, there are talks that a captain from an IPL team could be traded this week as per a Cricbuzz report. The outcome is expected to be revealed in the next two days. Notably, both franchises involved are yet to speak on the rumored trade.

In the midst of these developments, the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up to release three additional players to enter the auction with approximately INR 30 crore in their hand. Alongside the confirmed release of Ben Stokes (INR 16.25), they will have extra funds as veteran Ambati Rayudu (INR 6.75) announced his retirement from the IPL last season. The MS Dhoni-led side will also release South Africa's Dwaine Pretorius, Sisanda Magala, and New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson.

Possible releases from other teams include players such as Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, and Shardul Thakur. The Delhi Capitals are reportedly set to make a huge trade, but the specific player names are yet to be disclosed. Meanwhile, there are speculations of veteran Andre Russell's release from the Kolkata Knight Riders, although the move seem unlikely. 

In addition, top performers from the recently concluded ODI World Cup, including Australia's Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell, will be up for grabs during the December auction. The general anticipation is that up to 50 players will be bought in the upcoming mini-auction. The 2024 IPL is set to commence in mid-March, following the conclusion of the five-match Test series between India and England on March 11.