IPL 10: Preity Zinta ready to go for open auctions in IPL 2018

The recent developments in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have suggested that the 2018 auctions for the tournament could be open auctions. This, in essence, means that no teams would be able to retain any players as they have traditionally been doing. Hence, all players are likely to be shuffled across different teams in the auctions for IPL 2018. Kings XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta recently remarked that she is all set for such a development if it takes place next year.

As per the quotes in the Times of India, Preity Zinta remarked that the owners have been informed about such plans. She is keen on welcoming the idea if the BCCI puts it in place. However, she added that this does not mean she is unhappy with the current lot of players she has with her on the Kings XI Punjab roster.

“It was meant to be an open auction without retention. We have been told about it. I will welcome it if BCCI decides to go for an open auction. It doesn’t mean that I am not happy with my team. I think, we have a great team. The teams which are doing well are the ones where the young Indian players are performing,” quoted Preity Zinta.

In the recent editions of the tournament, Kings XI Punjab have probably been the only side that has been shifting their home venues a lot. They played their first few home matches of this season at Indore before heading back to the actual home venue of Mohali. Preity remarked that she is not aware of the business strategies involved behind the same and in all fairness, it does not quite matter where they play.

“In the middle of the tournament, I can’t be talking about shifting our home matches to some other profitable venue. But I am quite tired distributing tickets like this. This is business and while I appreciate the backing of all our fans, it’s really difficult If I have to keep distributing free tickets to administrators, honestly then it doesn’t matter whether we play all our matches in Mohali or somewhere else,” she remarked.

The KXIP management appointed former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag as their Director of Cricketing Operations this year. Sehwag has been doing a fantastic job in the role. Preity Zinta looked very pleased with the services of Sehwag and heaped praises on him. She cited how the crowds usually start cheering when they see big players like Sehwag and AB de Villiers walk on the park.

“We have an unbelievable coach in Virender Sehwag. He is dynamic, helpful and extremely chilled out. He also has a super cricketing brain which makes him a very special coach. When we played the Mumbai game, the fans were shouting at the top of their voice when Sehwag came out on the field. The atmosphere was electric. Similarly, the fans in Mohali cheered for AB de Villiers last year. It is fun seeing how the Indian fans appreciate good cricket,” she conceded.