The IPL auctions are underway and it’s not just Preity Zinta’s dimples that are making the news. Emotions are running high and while some think this is cricketing history being created, others feel this is the cheapening of cricket for money. And there is a ton of money involved. Almost enough for Sharad Pawar to retire to the Himalayas. And that would take a lot of money.
A comprehensive coverage of the IPL auction is posted here. So who were the players that the franchises bid fiercely for? Mahendra Dhoni and Andrew Symonds, obviously, as their signing amounts of US$1.5m and US$1.35m respectively suggest. Any bizarre purchases? Sure. McGrath and Mike Hussey were bought for $350,000 each while Ponting fetched $400,000. Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma (flavor of the day – but certainly no McGrath) was sold for $950,000, Manoj Tiwary (?) and Mohd Kaif (remember him?) for $675,000 each. Ponting is surprised. So is the rest of the sane world.
Check out how the teams stack up here. Bangalore’s Mallya was probably high on Kingfisher when he bid for players. Although if they change the IPL format from T20 to test matches, Bangalore will be the team to beat. Don’t see that happening. Meanwhile Laxman gave up his icon status to lead Hyderabad – which is really looking the best team on paper so far. With a rush now to get the backroom staff and high profile coaches in place, the IPL promises entertainment even before the tournament starts. And if the IPL is run anything like the European football league or the NFL, this can only help cricket.
PS: In case you are wondering who the franchise owners are, apart from Mallya and Ambani – check this out.
A comprehensive coverage of the IPL auction is posted here. So who were the players that the franchises bid fiercely for? Mahendra Dhoni and Andrew Symonds, obviously, as their signing amounts of US$1.5m and US$1.35m respectively suggest. Any bizarre purchases? Sure. McGrath and Mike Hussey were bought for $350,000 each while Ponting fetched $400,000. Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma (flavor of the day – but certainly no McGrath) was sold for $950,000, Manoj Tiwary (?) and Mohd Kaif (remember him?) for $675,000 each. Ponting is surprised. So is the rest of the sane world.
Check out how the teams stack up here. Bangalore’s Mallya was probably high on Kingfisher when he bid for players. Although if they change the IPL format from T20 to test matches, Bangalore will be the team to beat. Don’t see that happening. Meanwhile Laxman gave up his icon status to lead Hyderabad – which is really looking the best team on paper so far. With a rush now to get the backroom staff and high profile coaches in place, the IPL promises entertainment even before the tournament starts. And if the IPL is run anything like the European football league or the NFL, this can only help cricket.
PS: In case you are wondering who the franchise owners are, apart from Mallya and Ambani – check this out.
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