IPL 2022: Wasim Jaffer quits Punjab Kings' batting coach position
What's the story
India's domestic legend Wasim Jaffer on Thursday parted ways with Indian Premier League (IPL) side Punjab Kings (PBKS). The development has come just two days ahead of the IPL 2022 mega players' auction. The former India opener confirmed the news on Twitter from his official handle. Jaffer joined Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), now renamed as Punjab Kings, in 2019 as batting coach.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Jaffer was an integral part of PBKS coaching staff alongside Anil Kumble till 2021. Punjab had failed to reach the semi-final of IPL 2021 as they finished the group stage at the sixth spot. Jaffer left the Punjab based outfit to join the Odisha cricket team as head coach for two seasons. He was appointed as Odisha's head coach last year in July.
Statement
Jaffer confirmed the news on Twitter
Jaffer announced his departure from PBKS on Twitter by sharing a hilarious meme featuring a famous song, 'Channa Mereya' from actor Ranbir Kapoor's film 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'. "Adios, and thank you Punjab Kings, it's been a pleasure," Jaffer wrote on Twitter. He also wished the team good luck for the next season. "Wishing Kumble and the team very best for #IPL2022," he added.
Twitter Post
Have a look at Jaffer's post
Adios, and thank you @PunjabKingsIPL, it's been a pleasure. Wishing @anilkumble1074 and the team very best for #IPL2022 🤗 pic.twitter.com/rDivb0akZp
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 10, 2022
Standings
PBKS in IPL 2021
PBKS finished the last season of the cash-rich league at the sixth position. They collected 12 points from 14 games during the group stage. They won just six games in 2021 while losing eight encounters. PBKS have retained just two players (Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Agarwal) ahead of the 2022 IPL auction. They will enter the auction with Rs. 72 crore available.
Information
IPL 2022 auction
The 2022 IPL auction will take place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. Total 590 players will go under the hammer during the auction. This year, 228 capped, 355 uncapped, and seven cricketers from Associate Nations will go under the hammer.
Rahul
KL Rahul left PBKS for Lucknow Super Giants
Former PBKS skipper KL Rahul also left the team earlier this year to join Lucknow Super Giants last month for a whopping Rs. 17 crore. The news was confirmed by the Lucknow based outfit on Twitter. He was appointed Punjab Kings skipper during IPL 2020. He led PBKS in 27 games, winning 11, losing 14 while two games ended in a tie.
Twitter Post
KL Rahul joined LSG
We wanted the best and we didn't settle for less. 💪🤩#TeamLucknow #IPL2022 @klrahul11 @MStoinis @bishnoi0056 pic.twitter.com/p9oM8M9tHy
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) January 21, 2022