It’s that time of year again where Indian Premier League (IPL) teams offer astronomical amounts of money to cricketers for a couple of months work. Last year MS Dhoni topped the list, being paid US$1.5 million by the Chennai Super Kings. That figure is set to be broken this year as the next round of players enter the market.
There have been a lot of Twenty20 cricket played in the last year, allowing teams to see who has the goods to deliver their team to success. Despite the economic downturn, players are still expected to make more in this tournament than they do playing for their country the rest of the year.
With only 11 spots open due to the limit on overseas players, superstars who were not picked up last year will be considered the most of value.
In its inaugural season, players from England were not allowed to be released from their international duties to compete. With their addition this year, high profile players may be prominently featured come February 6.
One of these players is batsmen Kevin Pietersen. With the auction, players may have a reserve if they are considered to be in high demand. That being said, Kevin’s reserve is US$1.35 million, with some expecting him to reach the US$2 million mark. Another Englishman expected to be picked up is Andrew Flintoff. The All Rounder has a reserve of US$950,000.
Twenty-seven Australians have submitted their names for consideration, however only a few look likely to land a spot. Michael Clarke sat out the first season and the Australian Vice Captain will be high up on the list. So might first choice keeper Brad Haddin. [Aussies in IPL money] Bowlers Shaun Tait and Stuart Clark may also attract some interest, but in form, Mitchell Johnson has opted to sit out this year.
South Africa was in fine form on their recent tour of Australia, and a player by the name of JP Duminy emerged. Consistent with both bat and ball, JP is a sure thing to be picked up due not only to his skill but his versatility.
The money that these contracts are worth are for each season, however they are pro rata. So if a player has international commitments for a particular time, he forfeits that amount from his contract.
A full list of submitted players is available here.