Two Englishmen – Liam Livingstone and Jofra Archer Eauthor – secured enviable deals on the second day of the Indian Premier League Mega Auction in Bengaluru on Sunday. Ten franchisees committed INR 5.52 billion to procure 204 players, 67 of whom are overseas professionals. Liam Livingstone turned out to be the most expensive foreign player, while Archer got a surprise deal from Mumbai Indians in spite of questions on his fitness and availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League season 2022. Punjab Kings made the highest bid, worth $ 1.52 million, for Livingston, whereas Mumbai Indians committed $1.06 million to Archer.
Livingstone had a base price of $130,000. “He is one of the best all-rounders, bowls off spin, leg spin. He is a world-class cricketer,” Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia said.
“He plays a lot with Jonny Bairstow (who was bought by Punjab for $888,000) in England so from our perspective that combination is great. Smith is a person who bowling attacks fear.”
However, two other limited overs stars from England – Eoin Morgan, the World Cup champion captain, and Dawid Malan – failed to find a buyer. Mumbai Indians, who adopted a conservative approach during the auction, opening their coffers for an unfit Archer surprised all. This can only be seen as a long-term investment, aimed for the next two seasons of the league. There was also no buyer for Australian Steven Smith.
Mumbai Indian’s owner Akash Ambani justified the investment on Archer. “Although it’s going to be next year but we’re very, very happy to have Jof and Boom (Bumrah) make a lethal pair for our bowling attack,” he said in an interview with official broadcaster Star Sports.
The 42-ball century against Pakistan last year appears to have converted into dollars. He got more than a 1500% hike on the $ 100,000 price purse drawn from Rajasthan Royals last season.
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and the West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran – with successful bids of $1.42 million each – wore the other lucrative overseas buys on the second and the last day of the auction. West Indies bowling all-rounder Odean Smith got around $800,000 from Punjab Kings, who have lined-up a formidable side in quest of their maiden IPL title.
Bowling all-rounders appeared in good demand. Among other major overseas South African bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen (base price of $66,000) bagged a deal of $558,000 from Sunrisers Hyderabad, while West Indies bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd for $1.02 million.
All-rounder Tim David gave Singapore a reason to celebrate as he became the first player ever from the South-East Asian nation – going to Mumbai Indians for $1.08 million.
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was acquired by first-timers Gujarat Titans for $1.32 million.
South Africa’s Chris Morris remains the most expensive IPL player ever, selling for $2.23 million last year.
The IPL 2022 will be played from March to May. There is, however, no confirmation on the venues. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is determined to host the league at home, but a lot will depend on the COVID situation.
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