Stokes, Archer released by the IPL royals ahead of the auction

English stars Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer were released by their IPL team Rajasthan Royals ahead of the auction when franchises announced the names of the retained players on Tuesday. The Englishmen Eoin Morgan and David Warner from Australia also split from the Kolkata Knight Riders and

The 2022 edition will have two new teams from Ahmedabad and Lucknow, bringing the total to 10 for the lucrative T20 tournament that attracts world stars to India. Both Stokes and Archer missed the second leg of this year's tournament in the United Arab Emirates due to injuries. Stokes also said his absence should help protect his sanity. The Royals retained three players, including skipper Sanju Samson and England's batsman Jos Buttler, ahead of the upcoming edition.

"We had a lot of factors to consider when we made that decision, and we would have loved to have played with four players, but the uncertainty surrounding Jofra's long-term injury has forced us to keep only three," said Kumar Sangakkara, cricket royals director.

"It was certainly a difficult decision, but we are happy to confirm that Sanju (Samson), Jos and Yashasvi (Jaiswal) will stay with us as the backbone of our team." Calcutta will be looking for a new captain following the sacking of Morgan, who led them to the finals this season and lost to MS Dhonis Chennai Super Kings on October 15 at Dubai International Stadium.

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Warner's exit from Hyderabad, which has kept skipper Kane Williamson for $ 1.86 million, appeared to be imminent after ties to his franchise soured after being out in the middle of the tournament. The daring opening player, who played a key role in Australia's first T20 World Cup title this month with 289 runs, was also removed as captain of Hyderabad in the first leg of this year's IPL.

Kohli's pay cut

Indian superstar Virat Kohli will stay with Royal Challengers Bangalore after stepping down as captain of the franchise but cutting his salary. Kohli, who previously had the highest annual IPL salary at $ 2.7 million, was hired for $ 2 million.

“Had no second thoughts. Amazing trip and will take another three years, ”said Kohli. “I think the best is yet to come. As committed as ever as RCBian. We hope we make you (fans) very proud. You will see a different version of me, but I will be there with my heart and soul. "

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and Indian fast runner Mohammed Siraj have been taken over by Bangalore, who are still looking for their first IPL title. Rohit Sharma, captain of the five-time champions Mumbai Indians, Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) and Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals) were signed for $ 2.13 million.

The current champion Chennai has kept Dhoni, Jadeja and the English all-rounder Moeen Ali. South African seaman Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Capitals) and Afghan leg moth Rashid Khan (Hyderabad) are also notable omissions on their teams. Any players who have opted out or who have failed to be added to the list of retained players are likely to participate in the auctions expected in late December or early January.