January 19, 2010
The IPL Player Auction Round Up
There was a lot of drama today during the player auction and there were many surprises in store for everyone. So many unexpected twists happened and here is a summary of the auction.
Kings XI Punjab : They started the bid with a budget of $675,000 as they had already brought the West Indian batsman Adrian Barath outside the auction. They went hard to get Keiron Pollard and Kemar Roach. But they had to give up once the bids went outside their budget. At the end, they brought Yusuf Abdulla for the base price of $50,000 and then out-bid Bangalore to purchase Mohammad Kaif.
Delhi Daredevils : They started of cautiously and in fact didn’t bid for any player in the first pool. When the second round started, they straight away fought for Wayne Parnell. They competed with Deccan Chargers and out-bid them to buy Parnell for $610,000. Parnell is the third costliest South African player. Delhi Daredevils tried getting Kaif for the remaining amount, but they were out-bid by Bangalore.
Mumbai Indians : They started aggressively and went on to buy Keiron Pollard after the tie-breaker. They brought him for an undisclosed amount which is estimated at about $3 million. They had competition from Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkatta. They later brought the U-19 Indian player Harshal Patel. Nita Ambani admitted that it was a plan to rope in a batting all-rounder and thats why they went all out.
Chennai Super Kings : They went into almost all the top bids but found themselves out played by the other franchises. It was pretty clear that they were searching for a replacement for the injured Andrew Flintoff. They tried bidding for Shane Bond, Kemar Roach, Keiron Pollard and also Eoin Morgan. But they got none. They finally recalled Justin kemp into the bid and got him for a base price of $100,000 and then also signed up Thissara Perera for $50,000. There were no competitors for these players.
Deccan Chargers : They were very calculative with their bidding. They tried hard to secure players like Shane Bond, Keiron Pollard and Wayne Parnell. But they didn’t succeed. They successfully got Kemar Roach after keeping Chennai and Punjab at bay. They brought hime for $720,000. This left them with $30,000 in the budget and they never took part any further. They finally brought the Indian U-19 player Harmeet Singh who was a part of their team the last time around. He was brought for 800,000 INR.
Kolkatta Knight Riders : They were another team who was playing the waiting game. They had earlier released Ricky Ponting to free up a slot for foreign player. They tried hard to secure Keiron Pollard but lost him in the tie-breaker. They pressed hard and went on to secure Shane Bond by ousting their competitors in the tie-breaker. Since they ran out of budget, they never took part further.
Bangalore Royal Challengers : They played a rather subdued hand. They intially tried hard for Pollard, Bond, Parnell and Roach. But then they slowly gave up before out-bidding Chennai to sign up Eoin Morgan for $220,000. Then they tried to secure Kaif but failed. They got a chance to choose an U-19 player first and they picked up the U-19 skipper Ashok Menaria for 800,000 INR.
Rajasthan Royals : Just like the bidding in the first year, they played very slow. They had bought Rob Quiney which left a spot open. They never went in for any big names on the list. Rather byt he time they placed their first bid, most of them were out of budget. They later went on to sign-up ex-Australian cricketer Damien Martyn for a base price of $100,000 and then also bought Adam Voges for $50,000. They didn’t go for any other options and left $600,000 unused.
THE SHOCKERS!!! – None of the Pakistani players were signed up by the franchises. Even Afridi wasn’t picked up. Doug Bollinger also never got a bid despite some good performances in the recent times. Same thing applies to Phil Hughes. I also expected bids for Graeme Swann who also went unsold.
January 16, 2010
Gilchrist and Hayden Clarify Speculation
Few days back, Adam Gilchrist’s Manager Stephen Atkinson had quoted, “Adam is aware of the situation and he is always very mindful of the security concerns in India. Adam was looking to play in this year’s tournament but it is always a worry when statements like that (made by Shiv Sena) are being made. Ultimately, he will be guided by the views of Cricket Australia and security experts.” This was misinterpreted by the press and the news that Gilchrist wouldn’t be a part of IPL 3 started making rounds. In a recent interview, Gilchrist clarified this and quoted, “I love playing in India. My manager’s quote has been misinterpreted and I am quite keen to play in India”.
He was further told PTI that, “I cannot speak for other players but I am sure to tour India in March for the IPL. I am confident of Mr. Modi and the IPL organisers. I have some fine memories of India and would like to extend that”. Leter on even Matthew Hayden confirmed his participation and stated that, “The process is that the security agencies will investigate and let Cricket Australia know who will let the players know, but the final decision is in the hands of the players. You will definitely see me in India for IPL 3.I have been welcomed into the bosom of India as a brother. I feel very humbled and privileged to be able to play here. I am looking forward to IPL 3 and am confident it will be a huge success.”
So, as of now, none of the Australian players have pulled out of the auction and hopefully we will get to see them in action this year. I personally feel that the sport shouldn’t be mixed up with all the political issues. What happened in Australia to the Indian students is certainly a bad example and it is unjust, but then I don’t think that not allowing Australian players to take part in India is the solution. This might hamper the preparations for the World Cup next year.
January 28, 2009
ECB’s Green Signal
Finally the ECB has agreed to send its players for a three-week period for this edition of IPL. The IPL governing body wanted the English players to sign a contract for two years and the ECB have given their approval to the top seeds in the English line-up. What more can we ask for seeing KP and Freddie probably take on each other if they play for different sides?? The last phase of auction is scheduled for the 6th of February and until then, we can keep making some random guesses of who’ll end up in which team. It is learnt that 9 English players will be available for the auction. Keep guessing!!!
August 28, 2008
The Don Liked Gilly’s Ability
Sir Donald Bradman was a special player and the World speaks of him still. Recently his family and CA celebrated his centenary. The Australian players were invited for a lunch. All of them spoke of so many things thats happening in World Cricket. Gilly was asked whether the emergence of T20 would thrash Test cricket and he striaght away said a no.
He said the World had survived the threat of ODI and World Series a few decades ago and hence even this would be overcome even though T20 is booming into a real big one. He is bound to lead the Deccan Chargers next year. He also admitted that he enjoyed playing Cricket in India. He has never met the Don before. John Bradman said,”He thought his ability was absolutely second to none and that his modesty and integrity was of the very highest order.” John Bradman is the Don’s son.
June 2, 2008
Rajasthan Royals Lift The Trophy
What a game we’ve had tonight? Its was absolutely chanceless. It was like any other International matches. Yusuf Pathan made all the difference picking up three wickets and scoring a match winning half century. The game had everything in it right from some on-field verbal fights to some brilliant run-outs.
Whatever Shane Warne touched has turned gold. Even his decision to bowl first has also proved to be a right one. Chennai Super Kings did well to post 161 on the board. Suresh Raina again played a gem of the innings and the rest was done by M.S.Dhoni. They also didwell to pick up early wickets and put the pressure on Rajasthan Royals.
Swapnil Asnodkar played a cameo and was run out by a brilliant throw by Makhaya Ntini. Yusuf Pathan had two let offs that probably changed the entire result as he got into the grooves soon after. Everyone in the ground was thrilled and no one left the game till the last ball.
When everything looked right for the Royals, a couple of wickets changed the complexion of the game. Eight were needed of the last over and it was Balaji with the ball. The first ball went for a single, the second was a dot ball. Shane Warne took a single of the third and Balaji bowled a wide in the next one. Then it was a single followed b a couple and the last ball was hit for a boundary. What a finish to this drama packed 44 day head turner?
Rajasthan Royals were celebrating and this should prove their critics wrong (even me) after they felt that the team was weak. They have played some splendid over the past 44 days and they deserved to be victors.
P.S. : The trophy looks awesome and the prize money will get everyone’s head turning. It is the costliest trophy in World Cricket. Those who didn’t get to see this match has missed something spectular.
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