Russell released by Kolkata Knight Riders

NEW DELHI, India:

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have parted ways with explosive all-rounder Andre Russell ahead of the 2026 auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 37-year-old Russell had been with KKR since 2014 and was among five players retained by the franchise ahead of the 2025 mega auction.

However, the news should not come as a complete surprise, as the franchise had deliberated releasing him ahead of the 2025 mega auction before having a change of heart.

Russell, who retired from international cricket in July, is regarded as one of the greatest ever T20 players and is one of only two players in IPL history to have scored over 2,000 runs and picked up 100 wickets, the other being Ravindra Jadeja.

He has also hit the joint-seventh most sixes (223) in the IPL.

During his time at KKR, Russell was named Player of the Tournament in 2019 and was part of KKR's title-winning teams in 2014 and 2024. He also won 16 Player-of-the-Match awards.

According to reports, more than one franchise sought out Russell in trade.

- CMC