Published: Jul 14, 2015, 06:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 14, 2015, 06:44 PM (IST)
On a day of historic judgement, the Lodha committee led by Justice Lodha banned both Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), for two years from the league and cricket-related activities. This came after they banned their owners Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra respectively.
The panel found Meiyappan guilty of placing multiple bets and bringing shame on the image of IPL, BCCI and CSK. Raj Kundra was also found guilty of betting and hurting the image of the game. However, there was no allegation of match-fixing against Kundra. RR were found to have damaged the faith of [Board of Control for Cricket in India] BCCI , said Justice Lodha. IPL Verdict: Anurag Thakur welcomes Lodha panel’s landmark decision
The committee, however, cleared the players, mentioning they could play for other teams if the respective owners were ready to forego ownership of the teams. This leads to a very interesting scenario: with two teams banned, IPL will be reduced to six teams, and it remains to be seen what BCCI decide to do. In case they put the players up for a fresh auction, it is likely to hurt the brand image of the teams, but given the number of marquee players in the two sides, putting the players in the fresh auction seems to be the ideal solution.
If the players are put in auction, the following players are likely to get the most attraction:
MS Dhoni: Dhoni is probably a bigger brand than some of the franchises, and will get huge bids —but many teams will be able to afford him. Teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Daredevils (DD) may be itching to get someone like him to solve a lot of their issues. Both teams have weak middle-orders, and Dhoni can be the answer to their query. IPL without MS Dhoni is tough to imagine, feels Sunil Gavaskar
Suresh Raina: Raina has always taken to IPL like fish to water; he is the only batsman to score more than 400 runs in every IPL season except the last. Such consistency is seldom seen, and teams will definitely look to get him in their ranks. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Mumbai Indians (MI) may look for Raina as they have not quite found the best opening pairs and have often shuffled their batting order. Don’t be surprised if Raina gets the biggest bucks in the auction.
Ravichandran Ashwin: It was IPL that brought Ashwin to international cricket. With his team getting banned for a couple of years one expects a huge market for the best Indian spinner, who has taken bigger strides over the past eight months or so. IPL usually tends to have slower surfaces and the likes of KKR, DD and SRH might want to get their bowling attack strengthened by an Indian bowler who can chip in with the bat too. IPL Verdict: India Cements shares plunge by 6.5 percent following CSK suspension
Brendon McCullum: DD or KXIP will look to have someone like McCullum at the top for them. Both teams have had issues at the top, and the New Zealand captain can get a lot of attraction given his aggressive style of cricket has reaped rich rewards for his national team.
Steven Smith: Smith might have a tough time in The Ashes but remains one of the most consistent batsmen in world cricket. He offers stability to the middle order and plays spin superbly. Teams like KKR and SRH may be interested in someone like him to build their middle-orders. BCCI should withdraw N Srinivasan’s ICC nomination, says Aditya Verma
Shane Watson: The Australians may not like him, but Watson has had a lot of support from RR. His contribution with and ball cannot be measured in mere numbers and teams will be wanting to get his services in the side. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) who now play David Wiese may enjoy the services of Watson. With Mitchell Starc and Sean Abbott already in the side, Watson will have good company.
Ajinkya Rahane: Rahane may not be having the best of times leading India in Zimbabwe, but has been a revelation at the top for RR. He could be an ideal foil for dashing openers in the IPL teams. Someone like RCB might be interested in him as he can start well with Chris Gayle at the top before Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers can hold the middle-order together. BCCI to discuss IPL future following Lodha panel verdict
