CSK wants draft system in IPL to retain their core team

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans are one of the most passionate bunch among those in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Any team would easily get butterflies in their stomach when they see the giant yellow sea of fans at Chepauk. However, the IPL didn’t witness anything like that in the last couple of years as the team was temporarily banned for two years after the team principal’s indulgence in corrupt practices was proved in court.

However, that stipulated period is over and the joys of the CSK fans knew no bounds when they witnessed their leader Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the MA Chidambaram on July 22. The CSK team management wants to have their main man back in the yellow army and for it to be possible, they want a draft system. The draft system was used in the 2016 version of the IPL to give a chance to the two new franchises Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujrat Lions a chance to pick their preferred 5 players.

Since the Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are making a comeback and the auction procedure is yet not clear, CSK management has asked the BCCI to use a similar draft system so that they and Royals can have their core team back. “Talks with BCCI about player retention is going on. We hope to have draft similar to the one in 2016. Since we are the highest-paid franchise among the two, we will get to pick first. So that is an advantage if it happens,” said CSK director George John in an interview with The New Indian Express.

“Talks are going on with the core group that we had two years back. If we get them back, it will definitely have a continuity and that is what we always look to achieve as franchise,” he further added.

CSK teams up with Tekplay

In the modern era of the game, technology is the platform to bring fans and the team on one page. In a bid to further strengthen their relationship with their loyalists, the CSK management has teamed up with Tekplay Systems, who will be their official technology partner for the upcoming IPL.

Regarding the deal with Tekplay, John said: “Fans and social media play an important role in the tournament. They are the reason why CSK is one of the most admired teams in the IPL. Tekplay Sytems will be our technology partners in the upcoming season.”