Mumbai Indians to retain Malinga for IPL-2017

Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga is to be retained by the Mumbai Indians ahead of 2017 Indian Premier League season.

Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson, who was the costliest among the overseas players was among those retained. Watson was bought for Rs 9.5 crores by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday released a list of 140 players including 44 overseas cricketers, who have been retained by their respective franchises. Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson, who was the costliest among the overseas players was among those retained. Watson was bought for Rs 9.5 crores by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). All the eight franchises had a window to retain and release certain players from their squad ahead of the 10th season. 

Among the other big names who were retained were Faf du Plessis, Lasith Malinga, Steven Smith, David Miller and Shaun Marsh.

The last year of the IPL saw two new teams being introduced in the form of Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) and Gujarat Lions (GL) which were led by MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina. The last season saw the David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) winning the final as they defeated Virat ’Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore. With the upcoming season approaching soon, the preparations have started already with teams making desired changes. Also, it is speculated that soon the IPL management would be announcing the auctions for the season 10 which is expected to start from the month of April-May.

Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions have retained 16, Kings XI Punjab have retained 19 while Delhi Daredevils have 18, Kolkata Knight Riders 14, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore have retained 20 players each while last year’s champions Sunrisers Hyderabad have retained 17 players.