Here's why RCB released Josh Hazlewood, Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the IPL 2024 auction

RCB coaches have revealed the reason behind releasing the likes of Hazlewood, Hasaranga and Harshal Patel.

The final sheets for the retained and released players have finally come out. All ten teams have retained the players with whom they will be playing in the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League. There were a few names that were featured on the released list by the franchises ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. One big name that certainly came as a shock to many was Josh Hazlewood.

The pacer was part of the Australian team that won the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, beating India in the final. He had a pretty decent tournament and was also in good form. As a result, RCB not retaining him for the 17th edition was a big surprise. Some fans even called it a blunder by the franchise.

IPL 2024 Auction: Here is why RCB released Josh Hazlewood for the 17th edition

Royal Challengers Bangalore have certainly surprised everyone with the release of some of their key players. They have released Josh Hazlewood, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Wayne Parnell, David Willey, and Michael Bracewell. But Hazlewood’s name was a shocker for some fans. He has been a consistent player for RCB since he joined the team in two seasons.

The pacer played 15 games and took 23 wickets for the franchise. He was one of the reasons that RCB qualified for the playoffs in 2022. However, the franchise has revealed the reason for the decision. In a video posted on the X handle, featuring Head Coach Andy Flower and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, they talked about the decisions behind releasing and retaining players.

They confirmed that the pacer is expecting a child, which is why he is likely to be unavailable for almost one month during the IPL 2024. As a result, the franchise has decided to release the pacer. Though the decision of the franchise looked unsustainable, it will be interesting to see whom they will bet at the auction. Meanwhile, RCB have released Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga to increase their purse value and they’ll try to get them at a cheaper price.

RCB are left with the highest purse value of over 40 crore for the IPL 2024 auction. So they can go hard for the players they want.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.