Kolkata Knight Riders trade Lockie Ferguson and Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Gujarat Titans

Ferguson was signed by Gujarat for just over £1million in last year's mega auction and collected 12 wickets as the Titans won the IPL title at the first attempt

Kolkata Knight Riders have picked up Lockie Ferguson and Rahmnaullah Gurbaz from Gujarat Titans in an all-cash trade ahead of the Indian Premier League mini auction.

Ferguson joins Australia Test captain Pat Cummins and the experienced New Zealand quick Tim Southee in the Knight Riders' overseas seamer roster. He previously played for the franchise between 2019 and 2021.

Ferguson was signed by Gujarat for just over £1million in last year's mega auction and collected 12 wickets as the Titans won the IPL title at the first attempt. 

^{Lockie Ferguson is moving to Kolkata Knight Riders [Getty Images]}

Gurbaz was not seen for Gujarat in 2022, having been signed as a replacement for Jason Roy, but offers considerable power at the top of the order and a reliable pair of hands behind the stumps.

He will compete for the gloves with Sam Billings and Sheldon Jackson at Kolkata.

"Both players leave behind unforgettable memories," Vikram Solanki, the Titans' team director, said.

^{Rahmanullah Gurbaz did not play for Gujarat Titans in 2022 [Getty Images]}

"Lockie's four-wicket haul against Delhi Capitals is a performance we will always remember. While Gurbaz did not play a game, his promise and talent was evident right through."

The precise terms of the trade have not been revealed, either by IPL officials or by either franchise.

The mini auction, at which teams will have an additional £4.8million to spend on players as well as any previously unused budget, is due to take place on December 23. 

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