IPL 2017 | Ishant Sharma joins three Englishmen in top bracket of auction
Ishant Sharma is the only Indian in the top bracket of the Indian Premier League auction, along with three England cricketers, two Australians and one Sri Lankan. The other 24 capped Indian cricketers' base price has been listed at ₹30 lakh for the auction to be held in Bengaluru on Feb 20.
England all-rounders Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes, who had a good outing in the limited-overs matches in India, will join their national team captain Eoin Morgan in the top bracket that has a base price of ₹ 2 crores. Sri Lankan Angelo Mathews and Australian fast bowling duo of Mitchell Johnson and Pat Cummins complete the top-end list.
Almost 800 players have been made available to the franchises, but this number is set to reduce once the teams submit their choices. The IPL auction will see 160 capped players from all eight Test-playing countries, barring Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Although the IPL is yet to announce the retention rules, the franchises are expected to have the right-to-match option. This allows teams to regain a player that they have released provided they match the highest bid at the auction.
The English dominance continued in the lower brackets of the auction as well with Jonny Bairstow (₹ 1.5 crore), Alex Hales (₹ 1 crore), Jason Roy (₹ 1 crore) and fast bowlers Chris Jordan (₹ 50 lakh) and Tymal Mills (₹ 50 lakh) expected to cost the teams a lot of money.
Former South Africa pacer Kyle Abbott, who recently completed a move to Hampshire as a Kolpak player, has a base price of ₹ 1.5 crore. Kiwi fast bowler Trent Boult, who was a part of Sunrisers' winning campaign is also pegged at the same price.
India spinner Pawan Negi, who was purchased for a massive ₹ 8.5 crore by Delhi Daredevils last year, comes into this year's auction at a base price of ₹ 30 lakh.
Since this is the 10th and last edition before franchises overhaul their squads, team owners would be hesitant to spend a lot on players this year.