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The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are exploring all options regarding players they want to release ahead of November 15, which is the cut-off date to submit the list of players they want to release and retain. Notably, the 2023 edition of the cash-rich league will see a mini-auction which is set to take place on December 16.
There is no denying that IPL is incomplete without West Indies cricketers as they bring the x-factor which has always engulfed the lucrative league. Over the years, many Caribbean players have entertained the fans with their power-packed performances.
But with age and poor form, several cricketers lose out on their mojo and West Indies players aren’t different either. On that note, let’s have a look at five such players who might be released ahead of the mini-auction:
1.) Fabian Allen
Fabian Allen, the batting all-rounder, was roped in by Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2022 auction for INR 75 lakh, but the Jamaican cricketer didn’t get enough chances to prove his mettle.
Allen, an orthodox left-arm spinner, is known for his splendid fielding abilities and quickfire batting down the order. But he played only a single game during the entire season, scoring 8 runs and bagging one wicket after conceding 46 runs.
The five-time champions might look to release Allen ahead of the mini-auction and increase their purse in order to explore more options.
2.) Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran had a worst 2022, both with the bat as well as with his captaincy. Pooran had a disappointing season with the willow in the previous edition of IPL and failed to take his national team even to the Super 12 stage.
The reason that could lead to Pooran getting released ahead of the mini-auction is his price. Notably, the Trinidadian cricketer was one of the biggest buys in the 2022 auction as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had bought him for INR 10.75 crores.
3.) Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard has been one of the most trusted warhorses for the Mumbai Indians. In his 12-year-long association with the franchise, MI became the title winner for five times.
But from the past few seasons, Pollard’s form has seen a consistent dip. He could only manage 144 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 107.46 in the previous edition.
Ahead of the mega-auction, Pollard was retained for INR 6 crore, and there is a strong possibility that MI might release the veteran all-rounder in order to buy him back later for a relatively lower price.
4.) Odean smith
There were tons of expectations from Odean Smith to deliver the magic in the IPL 2022 for Punjab Kings (PBKS), who had roped in the power-hitter for INR 6 crores.
But the Jamaican cricketer failed to impress and had a poor season for PBKS. He scored only 51 runs and picked up 6 wickets in 6 matches at an alarming run rate of 11.86.
There are high chance that PBKS could be inclined to release Smith as it would free up a massive amount of INR 6 crore from their purse, which can be used in the mini-auction.
5.) Romario Shepherd
Another player on whom Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) invested a lot of money was Romario Shepherd. The Orange Army spent a whopping amount of INR 7.75 crore to secure his services.
However, things went south for both parties as Shepherd could only score 58 runs in 3 matches and picked 3 wickets at an economy rate of 10.89.
SRH missed a quality all-rounder in IPL 2022; hence they might opt to release Shepherd and use the money to target players like Cameron Green or Sam Curran.
