NEW DELHI/BANGALORE: It wasn't easy, but Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have finally managed to retain the explosive Chris Gayle in their squad for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gayle, one of T20 cricket's biggest draws, came in as replacement for Australian quick Dirk Nannes last season and helped the team to the final.
Gayle was on a one-year contract with the Vijay Mallya-owned franchisee. He had not been picked at the last auction because of a lack of clarity on his availability. However, RCB mentorAnil Kumble pulled off a coup of sorts by signing him on mid-season and Gayle promptly turned the club's fortunes around.
With his signing, or re-signing, with RCB having been in limbo for a while, most of the teams were banking on his availability at the February auction. According to IPL rules, RCB, though, had first right of refusal and the deal was clinched with just one day left for the transfer window (which includes retaining of players) to close.
RCB were able to retain Gayle, who were being chased most by Mumbai Indians, only after they bought out the contract of South African batsman Jonathan Vandiar. IPL rules allow each team to sign a total of 11 foreigners only, one up from last season, and now Vandiar must come back into the IPL fray through the auction if he so chooses.
Last season Gayle had been signed on for $560,000 and that's the price he will officially continue to get. This, of course, means RCB will go into the auction with that amount deducted from the total purse of $2 million. Sources hinted that Gayle would earn "much, much more" for endorsement purposes.
With Gayle out of the fray, the hottest property at the auction is expected to be India allrounder Ravinder Jadeja, with the Saurashtra player having made a convincing comeback into international cricket.
According to the list released by the IPL, England spinner Graeme Swann has the highest base price of $400,000. Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson - who hasn't featured in the IPL so far - is also included in the list at a base price of $300,000. James Anderson too has a base price of $300,000.
Gayle was on a one-year contract with the Vijay Mallya-owned franchisee. He had not been picked at the last auction because of a lack of clarity on his availability. However, RCB mentorAnil Kumble pulled off a coup of sorts by signing him on mid-season and Gayle promptly turned the club's fortunes around.
With his signing, or re-signing, with RCB having been in limbo for a while, most of the teams were banking on his availability at the February auction. According to IPL rules, RCB, though, had first right of refusal and the deal was clinched with just one day left for the transfer window (which includes retaining of players) to close.
RCB were able to retain Gayle, who were being chased most by Mumbai Indians, only after they bought out the contract of South African batsman Jonathan Vandiar. IPL rules allow each team to sign a total of 11 foreigners only, one up from last season, and now Vandiar must come back into the IPL fray through the auction if he so chooses.
Last season Gayle had been signed on for $560,000 and that's the price he will officially continue to get. This, of course, means RCB will go into the auction with that amount deducted from the total purse of $2 million. Sources hinted that Gayle would earn "much, much more" for endorsement purposes.
With Gayle out of the fray, the hottest property at the auction is expected to be India allrounder Ravinder Jadeja, with the Saurashtra player having made a convincing comeback into international cricket.
According to the list released by the IPL, England spinner Graeme Swann has the highest base price of $400,000. Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson - who hasn't featured in the IPL so far - is also included in the list at a base price of $300,000. James Anderson too has a base price of $300,000.
No comments:
Post a Comment