The Indian Premier League (IPL) Mini Auction 2023 will be conducted on December 23, where the 10 participating teams will be seen struggling to get the players on board before the fresh season next year.
The Friday event is not the mega auction, only a few players will go under the hammer when the action begins at 2:30 PM IST. . As per the updated list, a total of 405 players will be available for fresh bids on Friday. The teams are looking to fill the remaining 87 slots.
The aggressive top-order batter Evin Lewis wasn’t on the IPL auction players list and the 30-year-old, in an exclusive conversation with News18 revealed he was “taking a bit of a break”.
The left-hander played for Lucknow Super Giants last season and has played for Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in the past. He was released by the KL Rahul-led side ahead of the mini-auction.
“I wish everyone all the best for the auction. I am actually taking a bit of a break from that cricket until I get back to where I need to be. So yeah,” says Lewis.
Every franchise wants the Caribbean flavour in the mix, especially in the shortest format, and Lewis too was approached ahead of the mini-auction.
“(smiles) I was contacted via email, that’s all I can tell and say,” says Lewis.
Last Year IPL, For Lewis there wasn’t much from the bat to talk about. But He takes A one-handed blinder shattered KKR’s hopes and helped LSG seal the playoff spot. It turned out to be “TATA IPL Catch of the Season”.
Bought at the auction at the base price of Rs 2 crore, the belligerent top-order batter didn’t get many chances with the bat for the franchise.
He featured in six games during the season, got to bat in five, and returned with just 73 runs. 55 of those came in a single innings.
“I was probably expecting a little more opportunities, I didn’t get that. I think the franchise Lucknow is actually a good franchise. Good coaching staff and a good bunch of players, and everyone trying to keep a good family base together. My experience was largely good and I enjoyed, to be honest,” says Lewis.
The auction will be held on December 23 in Kochi. The auction will start at 2.30 PM IST. The session will be shown live on Star Sports. The live streaming of IPL Auction 2023 will be live-streamed on JioCinema.