IPL 2022: KL Rahul and Rashid Khan allegedly approached by Lucknow, verbal complaint lodged by PBKS and SRH

Punjab Kings' (PBKS) opener KL Rahul and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowler Rashid Khan have been reportedly approached by the Lucknow franchise ahead of the mega auctions for IPL 2022. PBKS and SRH have lodged a verbal complaint regarding the same. November 30 was D-day for the existing eight teams to reveal their retained players.

Lucknow and Ahmedabad, two new IPL teams can’t retain any players. However, they'll be allowed to pick a few players outside the mega auction. A BCCI official has confirmed that PBKS and SRH have lodged a verbal complaint regarding Lucknow approaching KL Rahul and Sunrisers Hyderabad. If the BCCI finds anything fishy, then legal action will be taken.

“We haven’t received any letter but we have received a verbal complaint from two franchises about players poaching by Lucknow team. We are looking into it, and we will take appropriate action if it proves to be true,” said a BCCI official according to Inside Sport.

The BCCI official further opined that it was wrong if Lucknow had approached the players. “We don’t want to disturb the balance. You cannot avoid such things when there is fierce competition. But it’s not fair to the existing teams when they are trying to balance everything,” concluded the BCCI official.

Certain reports stated that Rahul will likely lead Lucknow in IPL 2022. PBKS have maintained a quiet stance regarding the matter. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan reportedly wanted SRH to retain him as the first player ahead of the mega auctions. News has come that SRH have retained only Kane Williamson for the next three years.