The Punjab Kings (PBKS) were keen on retaining their skipper, KL Rahul but he had other plans for the India Premier League (IPL) 2022. There were speculations going around that Rahul will not be retained by the franchise as the match-winning opener has decided to put himself back in the mega auction to be held in January.

According to reports, KL Rahul is having discussions with the new Lucknow-based franchise and is being paid around INR 20 crores to become the new team captain. There are also reports that Rahul and Rashid Khan can be banned from IPL for contacting other franchises before the retention list was out. 

ALSO READ: Jonny Bairstow, David Warner Bid Adieu As SRH Released Them Before The Auction

Following the retention announcement, Anil Kumble, the director of cricket operations of PBKS, revealed that the franchise wanted to retain Rahul but the latter had decided to move on. During a chat on Star Sports, Anil Kumble said, “Obviously we wanted to retain him, that is one of the reasons we chose him as captain two years back. But he decided to go into the auction. We respect that, we honour his decision. It’s the player’s prerogative.”

Thoughts from the Head of the Head Coach! 😎

Listen in to @anilkumble1074 🗣#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #IPL2022Retention #IPLRetention pic.twitter.com/kO3EX1scg2

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 30, 2021

Rahul’s departure from PBKS does not mean he will necessarily return to the auction. The opener reportedly attracted the attention of two new IPL franchises and may lead a group based in Lucknow. Two new IPL franchises have the window between December 1 and 25 to pick three pre-auction players.

ALSO READ: RCB Released Yuzvendra Chahal Because Of Financial Issues?

PBKS, however, made some surprise retention with the likes of Mayank Agrawal and Arshdeep Singh. Mayank, who is in contention to lead Punjab in the future, will be paid INR 12 crores. Arshdeep being an uncapped Indian player, will be paid INR 4 crores.

Talking about them, Anil Kumble added, “We are going with only two retentions and building a fresh squad. Overseas players have performed well for us but we felt that we could get them back at the auction, rather than pay around Rs 10 crore for them during Retention.”