By Emb Hashmi
2014 IPL is causing quite a stir with the official auction of players due to begin in mid-February in Bangalore; some big named international players are part of a group of 31 players that are attracting the highest base price pf Rs 20 million (approximately £193,640.00).
The 31 are part of the 232-strong auction list of capped players from ten countries, which was finalised by the IPL and distributed to the eight franchises.
In total there are 46 Indians on the list including super star players like Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Karthik, Pragyan Ojha and Yusuf Pathan, all of whom have been listed at the top base price of Rs 20 million. Irfan Pathan, the all-rounder, is not in the highest base rate bracket but has been valued at Rs 15 million. The fast bowler Varun Aaron, who is currently with the national team in New Zealand, has opted out of the auction.
Among the overseas players, some of the notable names missing are the Sri Lanka pair of Kumar Sangakkara and Dinesh Chandimal, Australia’s Michael Clarke and Mitchell Marsh, England’s Stuart Broad, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, and West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach.
The biggest name in English cricket to be available for bids in the auction is Kevin Pietersen who is a free agent again after Delhi Daredevils opted not to retain any players.
Controversially 2014 is another year where Pakistan players have been boycotted and so will be not part of the auction although two Pakistan-born players – Azhar Mahmood (England) and Fawad Ahmad (Australia) – have been listed.
The new IPL player regulation declares that all players will be paid in Indian rupees from this year. Players from overseas will be paid in the currency of their choice at the prevailing exchange rate on either the actual date of payment or contract due date.
One thing is guaranteed the 2014 IPL season will defiantly be a colourful occasion with plenty of excitement let’s hope the drama of 2013 stays in Bollywood and out of the cricket pitches.
