Black Caps captain Kane Williamson has been released by his Indian Premier League cricket club.
Kane Williamson at Hyderabad Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 32 year old has been let go by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the 2023 IPL auction.
Williamson was Hyderabad's captain and most expensive player during the 2022 IPL campaign.
They paid $2.8 million dollars for him last season, the highest price paid by a franchise for an overseas player.
However he only scored 216 runs in 13 games at an average of just under 20
Over his eight years with the team he scored 2101 runs at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 126.03. He played 76 matches for Sunrisers and captained them 46 times.
Letting go of Williamson will free up a significant chunk of Sunrisers' purse ahead of the 2023 auction as they look to rebuild after a disappointing 2022 campaign where they finished eighth in the ten team competition.
ESPNcricinfo is reporting that Sunrirsers will keep their options open about buying back Williamson at the auction.
Other New Zealanders....
Chennai Super Kings... have Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner in their squad.
Gujurat Titans have released Lockie Ferguson.
Delhi Capitals have released Tim Seifert.
Rajasthan Royals have released James Neesham, however have Trent Boult is in the squad.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have Glenn Phillips in their squad.
Royal Challengers Bangalore have Finn Allen in their squad.
Kolkata Knight Riders picked up Lockie Ferguson.
The first part of the IPL auction is next month.