The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 season is reportedly set to use a new format regarding transfers that will be occurring mid way across the T20 global league. Known as the mid-season transfer window, it could be a blessing for teams and players like wise. So like football, the IPL too will now have a transfer window in between the tournament. Excited? One should be, given the features it seeks to bring in.
The IPL is in its 11th year and over the last decade we have all witnessed teams that have often struggled to keep up with the demands of the rush in fixtures. Travel has been a major concern with matches coming thick and thin that one hardly gets to breathe easily. But well the format is such that one needs to be on their toes!
But having said that, franchises often feel the toll with injuries and fatigue that come through. Certain teams often, who do not get the right combination as well, fall behind in the pecking order for having a shot at the title by mid-season itself. That’s where the transfer window comes in to ease out the pressure.
By now several foreign, domestic and uncapped players haven’t yet got a game despite having being selected in the auction. So what happens to them? The mid-season transfer window comes as a blessing to some of these players, who now could be identified by other teams as someone who could add more vitality. Franchises discuss a deal in the given window period and a movement could then take place.
Here is all you need to know about IPL transfer window.
Eligibility criteria for players
The new transfer window decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council that will allow players switch to a new franchise just like in football. However, there are certain eligibility criteria and conditions for a player to be considered for the market window.
- Uncapped players could be on the move as teams could get them in or out as per the situation.
- Players (domestic and foreign) who haven’t played more than two games can be subjected to switch sides.
Players in fray
Now this gets interesting. Imagine foreign stars like JP Duminy and Adam Milne (Mumbai Indians) haven’t yet got a game. Similarly, Alex Hales (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Cameron Delporte (Kolkata Knight Riders) and Moeen Ali (Royal Challengers Bangalore) are some of the big names that haven’t been considered at all.
Now teams who feel that they need to strengthen certain areas can vouch for these foreign recruits and have a crack. Several experienced and young domestic players too besides the uncapped ones, also could be in for a negotiation chance.
When is the mid-season transfer window?
The 11th edition will witness the first ever transfer window which will be active from match number 28 and match number 42 of the ongoing season. The two teams in the frame will be allowed to negotiate and buy their desired players.
So it starts from Sunday, April 29 onwards and will go up till Thursday, May 10. It’s a 12-day window where changes in personnel could be sough for.
Past issues for teams in between season
The several de-merit factors that occurred in between mid-season continued till the end for franchises. MI failed to get the right combination in 2016. In the same year, Rising Pune Supergiant lost key payers in Kevin Pietersen, Steve Smith, Faf du Plessis and Mitchell Marsh to injuries. This in turn did not allow them to move on as they finished bottom of the table.
It’s the big players that often face a tricky situation as some of the franchises are unable to include them in order to maintain a balanced playing XI at times or even keep a winning combination. Sometimes, for reasons unknown too players miss out on games.
In 2016, Kiwi all-rounder Corey Anderson didn’t play a single match for MI despite the team not doing well.
When players supported the system
Defending champions MI skipper Rohit Sharma had earlier this month openly supported the new rule by stating it gives teams an opportunity to see what fits in for them. “The mid-season transfer window will give the teams an opportunity to see what they need in the squad and other teams will also be looking at what players they can get.”
The player also added that it is good for the tourney as it adds more value.“It completely depends on the franchise if a situation comes when we need to get a player or give a player. It is good for the tournament and will add even more value to it,” the Mumbai Indians skipper added.
