IPL 2018: Andrew Tye Surprised with His Price Tag at the Auction

Australia limited-overs-specialist, Andrew Tye, who was a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) last year while representing Gujarat Lions, recently expressed his surprise after he was bought by Preity Zinta’s Kings XI Punjab franchise for a whopping sum of INR 7.2 crores on Day two of mega-auctions.

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The name of Tye became huge in the T20 circuit after he notched three hattricks in a season, thereby, becoming the only bowler to achieve this feat. Despite the lack of opportunities provided to him by Hodge and Raina in the playing XI, Tye became the highest wicket-taker in the league for the Lions (12 wickets in six games at an economy of 6.7).

The story of Tye’s meteoric rise in the T20 circuit should get credited to Western Australia WA coach, Justin Langer who spotted some talent in the makeshift cricketer who traveled from Perth to England and provided a lifeline to the 31-year old back in 2013.

Tye, lately, transpired his rich form in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Perth Scorchers internationally against England where he claimed a five-for in the brand new Perth Stadium. Still, Tye remains befuddled with his price tag of (AUD) $1.4 million in the IPL auction which incidentally took place the same day he claimed his five-wicket haul in Perth.

“It’s been a whirlwind tour from four or five years ago when I wasn’t even a professional, so unbelievable and a dream come true,” explained Andrew Tye to Cricbuzz reporters.

Tye’s next assignment would be in a triangular T20 tournament featuring Australia, England and New Zealand during the next two weeks. Australia plays their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in Sydney.

Due to the upcoming Test assignment in South Africa, significant stars from the Australian squads have been rested for the triangular series.

The Aussie team boasts firepower of Chris Lynn, D’Arcy Short, David Warner and Aaron Finch. Lynn, who headlined the IPL auction after the Kolkata Knight Riders used their Right to Match card to retain his services this year, would be donning the Australian jersey after almost 12 months.

“He’s hitting them pretty well, he’s looking as good as ever. He’s ready to take down some bowlers,” commented Tye on Chris Lynn. “They’re eager to get in and get amongst it and provide some energy. We’re looking and expecting to good things from this group,” added Tye on the inclusion of new names at the back of impressive performance in the BBL.

“We know we’ve underperformed in this format for a while now. We’re definitely trying to rectify that and try to move up in those rankings and get up to the top where we should be,” replied Andrew Tye when enquired about the recent 4-1 drubbing against England at home.