Pune Warriors release Smith, Clarke

Australia captain Michael Clarke, South Africa captain Graeme Smith and hard-hitting New Zealander Jesse Ryder returned to the auction pool, as Pune Warriors decided to retain only six foreign players who were with the franchise during the last edition.

While Clarke had a one-year contract and had to return to the auction pool, Smith, who does not play international T20, anymore wasn't a very viable option for the Warriors.

Ryder hasn't played any competitive cricket since the last IPL.

Sun TV, the new owners of the Hyderabad franchise, decided to release Australian all-rounder Dan Christian, who fetched a whopping $900,000 during the January 2011 auction.

According to the initial squads confirmed by the IPL teams for next year, Rajasthan Royals retained the least number of players (14) and ended up with a salary cap balance of Rs 8,423,261 -- the highest among the nine IPL franchises.

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, retained 22 players, while Kings XI Punjab kept 19 and have the second highest salary cap balance of Rs. 7,219,565.

Delhi Daredevils retained 18 players, including all its seven foreign recruits but dumped Rajasthan batsman Robin Bist as he is considered totally unsuitable for the shortest format.

According to statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, a total of 179 players retained their contracts.

"The franchises have clearly focussed on performance in the IPL in making their decisions as to which players will form part of their respective core groups for the 2013 season," IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said.

"Each franchise has room under the salary cap to be able to sign additional players, either by trading or in the auction or, in the case of uncapped Indian players, by direct agreement with the player in question."

Each franchise has a salary cap of up to $12.5m to spend on their 2013 squad of upto 33 players, of whom a maximum of 11 can be from overseas. Only four overseas players can figure in the starting XI for any match.

The trading window will open on November 19 and the same day onwards the franchises will be able to sign new uncapped Indian players, including the 52 players whose contracts were not extended, the BCCI said.