'Pollard Texted Me And I Said To Him 'This Can't Be Real, They Actually Pay You That?': Sunil Narine On Hitting IPL Jackpot

The IPL auction has greatly benefited both Indian and foreign cricketers’ financial situations. Before the IPL 2012, Kolkata Knight Riders made a significant investment in Sunil Narine, who would go on to revolutionize their fortunes and establish himself as an IPL legend.

The Indian Premier League has offered Indian cricket several “rags to riches” tales, turning cricketers become overnight sensations both on and off the field.

Aside from the league’s quality and competitiveness, the IPL has earned players millionaires through its auction. People who once had financial difficulties are now leading opulent lives. That is the IPL’s strength.

Sunil Narine was signed by KKR for 5.5 crores, even though he had only represented West Indies in three international games up until that point. As they say, the rest is history.

‘I realized I wasn’t an automatic pick’: Sunil Narine

Narine described how it took him a couple of fellow West Indian players to assist him to understand how much money he was being paid since at first, he could not believe it.

“Funny story: When the auction took place, DJ Bravo claimed to me I had been signed, but I didn’t trust him since I knew he liked to play tricks. Then Pollard messaged me and I said to him, “This can’t be real. When they buy you for this amount, do they pay you that?”

“I am grateful to my father for always keeping me grounded, no matter the circumstances, as a young cricket player from a modest upbringing. The expectation is always high with that pricing. I didn’t play the first game, so I realized I wasn’t an automatic pick despite the high price. It was an early wake-up call – I had to play good cricket,” Narine told ESPNCricinfo.

Narine has been with KKR ever since, through good times and bad. In 148 IPL games, Narine has taken 152 wickets and amassed 1025 runs, further solidifying his status as a dynamic opening batsman.

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