MUMBAI: The battle off the field for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 has already begun heating up as the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have transferred South Africa’s aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock to Mumbai Indians (MI), ESPNcricinfo reports.
It has been claimed that MI have successfully sought de Kock’s services in an all-money deal for Rs. 28 million, the same price that he was bought for by RCB during the 2018 mega auction. To cover up, the Reliance-owned franchise have reportedly offloaded Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman who was worth Rs. 22 million and Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya for the price of Rs. 5 million.
It could be considered a masterstroke by MI since de Kock’s impressive record in the IPL suggest that despite a lowly IPL 2018 for him, the South African would bolster the team at the top of the order, something the team has always strived to achieve.
Plus, it is likely that the 2019 edition of the tournament could be held in South Africa due to the general elections in April. Franchises are reportedly keen for the country to host the event since it is believed that United Arab Emirates (UAE), the other likely options would provide pitches subjected to wear and tear throughout the season, making them slower. Their plans for the auction could well depend on the venue being finalised as soon as possible.
The IPL has two trading windows with the present one to take place till November 15, which is approximately a month before the auction. ESPNcricinfo claims that the auction could be held anywhere between 15-20 December with Goa being the favourite to host the event. Each franchise will be having a Rs. 30 million purse besides the balance left from last season’s auction.
