Ben Stokes and Sam Curran are among England’s T20 World Cup winners who could go for big bucks in the Indian Premier League auction on Friday.
All 10 franchises have varying amounts of cash to splash in Kochi, where some big names will be in the hunt.
Stokes retired from the IPL this year, but the England Test captain and Curran, player of the tournament in their recent World Cup triumph, are two of the 19 overseas players with the highest base price of Rs 2.0 crore – worth just over £200,000.
Chris Morris was sold for a record Rs 16.25 crore in February 2021 and it would not be a surprise if that is broken as ambitious franchises form their squads for the 2023 edition of the tournament.
There are a total of 87 slots to fill, with up to 30 of them available for overseas players.
Perform Stats highlights what to look out for in the latest auction for a contest that was won by debutants Gujarat Titans this year.
Easterners have money to burn
Sunrisers Hyderabad got the ax after a poor IPL 2022 season as they finished eighth.
They suffered eight defeats and reacted by releasing 12 players, including captain and most expensive player Kane Williamson.
Sunrisers have more money to spend in the auction, with Rs 42.25 crore burning a hole in their pockets. At the other end of the ladder, Kolkata Knight Riders have just 7.05 crores to play for.
Hyderabad may opt to re-sign Williamson for a less lucrative deal for the New Zealand captain.
Curran to break the record?
England all-rounder Curran was outstanding in the T20 World Cup, taking 13 wickets – including 3-12 against Pakistan in last month’s final.
Having a great variety and giving a little, the left-arm tailor is sure to be in demand and could make a great early Christmas present.
Stokes, Williamson, Cameron Green, Rilee Rossouw, Jimmy Neesham and Jason Holder are among the other overseas players with a base price of Rs 2.0 crore.
With a base price of Rs 1.5 crore, Harry Brook could also earn a big payday for what would be a maiden IPL after a dream start to his England career.
Pandey and Agarwal under the hammer
Manish Pandey and Mayank Agarwal are the two Indian players with the highest base price in the auction.
The first Indian player to score an IPL century, Pandey has a base price of Rs 1.0 crore and the same goes for his teammate, Agarwal.
Pandey was released by Lucknow Super Giants, while Agarwal was allowed to leave by Punjab Kings.
Record teenager Ahmed will end a week of dreams
What a story it would be if Rehan Ahmed is auctioned after making history in England’s Test win over Pakistan in Karachi.
The 18-year-old leggy all-rounder became the youngest man to make his England Test debut as they secured a 3-0 lead and the teenager made a huge impact.
Ahmed became the youngest man to take a five-wicket haul on his debut in the second Test and would cost at least Rs 0.5 crore – although there will be debate as to what his program will be after his start outstanding on the international stage.
