Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith and Lasith Malinga lead star names released ahead of IPL 2021

Aaron Finch is offloaded by Royal Challengers Bangalore, while England's Jason Roy, Moeen Ali and Tom Curran are all looking for new contracts

Australia duo Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith are among the standout names looking for new contracts after being released ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League.

Maxwell, who was the second most expensive signing at last year's draft by Kings XI Punjab at £1.24 million, has been deemed surplus to requirements after scoring 108 runs and taking three wickets in the United Arab Emirates.

Smith is also looking for a fresh deal after having his second spell at Rajasthan Royals ended prematurely. He has been replaced as captain by Sanju Samson.

"It’s an absolute honour to have been announced as the captain of Rajasthan Royals," said the 26-year-old. "It’s a team that is so close to my heart, which I’ve been lucky enough to play for over the years, and I’m excited about the challenge that lies ahead of me as the leader of the team."

Kings XI have also cast aside Mujeeb ur Rahman, Sheldon Cottrell and Jimmy Neesham ahead of the tournament later this year.

Royals have also offloaded Tom Curran, who is among a clutch of England players who will be looking for a team come the mini-draft.

Indian Premier League 2021 squads: Full player list for new IPL season

Tom Banton has left Kolkata Knight Riders after just one year, while Moeen Ali has departed Royal Challengers Bangalore and Jason Roy is no longer wanted by Delhi Capitals. Harry Gurney has also left the Eoin Morgan-led KKR.

Last season's runners-up DC have also culled Alex Carey, Sandeep Lamicchane and Keemo Paul from their roster. Daniel Sams and Hashal Patel, meanwhile, have been traded to RCB.

Australia's white-ball skipper Aaron Finch is the big-name exit from RCB, who have let go of 10 players in all - the most of any team. Lasith Malinga, who missed the competition in 2020 after bowling Mumbai Indians to victory the previous season, has retired from franchise cricket and requested that Mumbai end his contract by mutual consent.

Chennai Super Kings have moved on from their first failure to reach the knock-out phase by retaining Suresh Raina, though Harbhajan Singh and the retired Shane Watson have taken their leave.

Due to the quick turnaround time between tournaments due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a scaled-down auction is scheduled for later in the year before the competition returns to its April and May window.