IPL 2021: Alex Carey and Nathan Coulter-Nile says they are not surprised at their exemption from the franchise.
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021: Australia’s two-star cricketers, Nathan Coulter-Nile and wicketkeeper Alex Carey said they were not surprised with their franchise releasing them ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction. Both the players said that they were hoping to break into another franchise in the mini-auctions.
Alex Carey featured for runner-up Delhi Capitals while Nathan Coulter-Nile played for defending champions Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020. Both the players have been released by their respective franchise on Tuesday after the final list of retained players was submitted to the BCCI.
“It wasn’t a surprise. Those things, you get a bit of an inkling for and I didn’t play a lot of cricket, just sat on the sidelines, so it probably makes sense to open that spot up for someone else,” Carey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“Hopefully there will be an opportunity for me in the upcoming auction. I am grateful for Punter (Ricky Ponting) and Delhi Capitals for picking me up and loved playing with them,” Alex Carey added.
Nathan Coulter-Nile was also expecting the release as he didn’t get enough opportunity to play for them. The Aussie all-rounder was released despite he played a key role in the finals of IPL 2020. Coulter-Nile returned with the figure 2-29 in the title clash against Delhi Capitals.
Was expecting that to happen: Nathan Coulter-Nile
“I was expecting that was going to happen,” Coulter-Nile said.
“I am not disappointed and hopefully some other franchises pick me up in this year auction. Not active in any other league or with the national side so finger crossed for the IPL auctions,” Coulter-Nile said.
Alex Carey and Nathan Coulter-Nile were among those high profiles Australian cricketers who were set free by their respective franchises. Steve Smith has been released by Rajasthan Royals, Glenn Maxwell was released by Kings XI Punjab and Aaron Finch was released by Royal Challenger Bangalore.
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