DHAKA : In the most sensational bidding for a player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction today (Friday) in Goa, Bangladesh fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza was purchased by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a price of US$ 600,000. Mortaza’s bidding had started with a base price of US$ 50000 but his figures kept climbing steadily with the Kings XI Punjab hot on the heels of the Knight Riders before the Kolkata side roped him for 12 times his starting price.
“Obviously I am delighted because I feel this is a result of all the hard work I have put in over the years and also a reward for being consistent this season. I would have been a lot happier if Shakib (Al Hasan) had got a team because he truly deserved it for his sensational form with the bat and ball,” said Mortaza.
“I have lots of friends and fans in India and that’s why I am excited. I love being there and it is a pleasure to play in India. Kolkata is just next door and I know how much people there admire Bangladeshi cricketers. The auction is over now and my challenge is to go over there and prove my worth.” Mortaza's purchase sparked a buzz in the auction room. The bidding, initially in segments of US$ 10,000 each, lasted nearly half-an-hour before Punjab gave in. "It makes great sense for Kolkata," IPL chairman Lalit Modi said. "Bangladesh falls under the Kolkata's catchment area as per a new proposal we are discussing on letting franchises stage matches overseas. This could work well for KKR later."
Ashraful in IPL:
There was further good news for the Bangladeshis with Tigers skipper Mohammad Ashraful snapped by Mumbai Indians at his base price of US$ 75,000 in the second round after most teams had exhausted their 10-player quota of foreign players.
Ashraful said that Mortaza’s value and the fact that two players from Bangladesh have been picket from an intense bidding was an encouraging sign for Bangladesh cricket.
The Bangladesh captain also revealed that signing for Mumbai Indians would allow him to realize a childhood dream.
“It’s no secret that Sachin Tendulkar has been an idol for me and as a youngster I dreamt of playing alongside Sachin some day and now we are in the same team.”
Other's New Details:
Surprisingly Tigers star Shakib Al Hasan, the world’s number one ranked all-rounder in ODIs did not get a buyer. Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, the other Bangladeshi cricketer in the auction, also remained unsold.
The prices are for each year of two-year contracts. Last season the teams had to sign contracts for three years at bid prices. The cricketers will get paid on a prorata basis depending on their availability for the duration of the six-week tournament. The 2009 IPL season will be held from April 10 to May 29.
The 25-year-old, number eight in the ICC ODI rankings for bowlers, was relishing the opportunity to play in Kolkata.
“Shakib missing out was a bit of a shock because he is one player who has dominated in both forms of international cricket this season. But I guess luck is also a factor in auctions. Nevertheless I am very happy for Mash (Mortaza) as he been outstanding day in and day out for us. It is also positive for our cricket that two of us have been chosen after stiff competition.”
England stars Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff were sold for US$ 1.55 million each making them the highest-paid cricketers in the Twenty20 competition.
The other attractions of the auction were JP Duminy, the South African batsman, who was bagged by Mumbai for US$ 950,000 (base price: US$ 300,000), and most unexpectedly, Tyron Henderson, the uncapped South African all-rounder who was bought by Rajasthan Royals for US$ 650,000, which was over six times his base price of US$ 100,000.
Seventeen players were up for grabs in the IPL auction that lasted two hours.
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