Ashes Stars Set to Bag Lucrative Deals in the Upcoming IPL Auction

Leading Australian cricketers, who decimated the England team to regain the Ashes Urn are likely to bag lucrative deals in the auction for the richest franchise-based T20 tournament, Indian Premier League (IPL). The auction is scheduled to take place on January 27 and 28 at Bengaluru.

With new media rights deal for IPL worth Rs, 16347.5 crore and an increase in the salary cap by 20 percent, the likes of Steve Smith, Jose Hazlewood, and David Warner is expected to pocket huge sum if they make themselves available for the upcoming edition of the IPL.

In the previous edition, England’s Ben Stokes was snapped up for a record price of Rs 14.5 crore to become the highest paid overseas player to feature in this league; while, while legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne holds the Australian record for bagging the highest deal.

Also Read: Smith Beats Dhoni to be the Most Successful IPL Captain

With the international calendar not as tight as usual in 2018 which ensures more and more Australian players will be keen to take part in IPL during their official leave period.

All eyes will be on the hero from the third Ashes Test at Perth, Mitchell Marsh to bag a huge deal, having already signed with county side Surrey. Mitchell Starc, who didn’t play in the last two edition of the IPL is likely to enter the auction. Currently, the best white ball bowler in the world he is expected to pocket three times the money Royal Challengers Bengaluru bought him in 2014.

Also Read: Gary Kirsten Likely to Join Royal Challengers Bangalore

“More than the money, I believe the best thing the IPL offers me – and any other player for that matter – is the ability to learn on the job in high-pressure situations,” Australian skipper Steve Smith who will look for a new home after the axing of Pune Super Giants recently wrote in his biography.

Hazlewood, who has skipped the past three editions of the IPL is likely ready for a potential return, with several clubs having already expressed an interest.

Also Read: IPL Franchises Asked to Submit List of Retained Players by January 5

Perth Scorchers and Australia T20 quick Jason Behrendorff recently admitted that he would love to be a part of IPL.

“You chat to all the guys in the Big Bash who have done it or are aspiring to do it and they say how great a competition it is, how much fun it is, the people they get to meet and the crowds they play in front of. It’s an experience I’d love to have. You never know,” Behrendorff revealed.