‘We will announce the captain’s name in a week’

Even though speculations are rife about Kumara Sangakkara having been sounded out for leadership of the King's XI Punjab IPL team, the franchise will make a formal announcement on that only in the coming week.

Anil Srivatsa, CEO, Kings XI Punjab said: "The management does not want to comment on the captaincy issue yet. One thing I can assure you is that we will make an announcement on this front in the next seven days, just before the IPL auction gets rolling." Having led the side in the first two editions of the IPL, it was more of a shock than surprise when it was announced last month that local hero Yuvraj Singh was being sacked as the King's XI Punjab captain and while Sangakkara was the most obvious replacement, the management has taken their own time in firming up the decision. Srivatsa did however rubbish speculations on Preity Zinta's role within the franchise, especially in the wake of her spilt with co-owner Ness Wadia. Zinta had been the most media-present face of the franchise for the first two editions and it was being rumoured that she may not be seen in that avatar this year. But Srivatsa said, "All the speculations are totally baseless. I cannot comment on Zinta and Wadia's personal life but professionally they are very much together and in sync with the King's XI Punjab as an establishment. There is no reason why Zinta will not be seen playing a pivotal role in the team's operations along with Wadia. Both will play the same role they donned during last two IPLs." Meanwhile, apart from the PCA Stadium, two home games the IPL III will be staged at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. "Out of the seven home games, five will be held at the PCA Stadium while the other two will take place in Dharamshala. As far as holding any match in Sector 16 Cricket Stadium goes, I do not think it is really possible because there are no floodlights and other important facilities in the stadium to conduct an IPL match." King's XI Punjab also announced the commencement of the KXIP Cup which is a T-20 tournament.

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