As the IPL prepares for its 16th edition on March 31, anticipation is at an all-time high. For a while, team owners were anxious that essential New Zealand players would miss the opening games due to their commitments with the Blackcaps in a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka that wraps up on the same day the IPL begins.
The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin on March 31 and this time all things are expected to be bigger and better. But a reason for the IPL franchises to worry was the fact that many New Zealand players, who were integral parts of their teams in the cash-rich league were set to miss out for the initial few days, as they were going to be part of the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The Blackcaps will play Sri Lanka in a three-match series that ends on March 31.
The situation has now shifted in favor of the franchises, as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) agreed to release four of its top stars. To give him a head start with his team, NZC is releasing captain Kane Williamson before the ODI series even starts. Additionally, the board is letting go of Tim Southee, Devon Conway, and Mitchell Santner to ensure they are available for the IPL.
After being let go by Sunrisers Hyderabad before the 2023 auction, Kane Williamson was snapped up by the Gujarat Titans for a bargain base price of Rs 2 crore. Meanwhile, Devon Conway remains a cornerstone of the Chennai Super Kings' top order; his impressive 2022 campaign, where he amassed 252 runs in just 7 matches, solidified his reputation as a premier opener.
Also representing CSK is Mitchell Santner, whose skills will be vital as the four-time champions chase another trophy. Tim Southee is set to suit up for the Kolkata Knight Riders this season. Other players, including Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen, and Glenn Phillips, will only be available for the opening ODI on March 25 before heading to India.
Lockie Ferguson will join KKR following a trade with the Gujarat Titans, while Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips are heading to Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively.
With Williamson unavailable, Tom Latham has been appointed as the captain for the ODI series. The IPL action officially begins on March 31 in Ahmedabad, featuring a clash between the Chennai Super Kings and the defending champions, Gujarat Titans.