Liam Livingstone has become the most expensive overseas player in IPL 2022 mega auctions after an intense bidding war between four franchises. The England all-rounder was bought by the Punjab Kings for an astonishing Rs. 11.5 crore. His high price tag has sparked a fervent debate among cricket fans. Livingstone was also the most expensive English player in the IPL since the 2017 season.
England pacer Jofra Archer was the second highest foreign player in the IPL 2022 auction, costing Mumbai Indians Rs.8 crore. Rajasthan Royals also splashed out on an uncapped Australian all-rounder, Trent Boult, for Rs.8.25 crore. Both players were considered one of the most expensive foreign players in IPL history. While a foreign player can’t make a team stronger, he is unlikely to break the IPL record for highest fee paid for an IPL player.
Mitchell Marsh is a hot property in the IPL 2022 auction. Despite being an Australian, Mitchell Marsh has scored truckloads of runs for Australia and the Big Bash League. He is expected to fetch close to INR 13 crore in the Mega Auction. In fact, Mitchell Marsh’s price has risen by 12% from last year’s mega auction. If he is available, he may be worth INR 12.5 crore.
The most expensive foreign player in IPL 2021 was Eoin Morgan. The Kolkata Knight Riders were unable to secure the Australian pacer. In the subsequent auction, they bought a player named Ben Stokes for Rs 10.35 crore. Another notable purchase was the former Mumbai Indians star Shahrukh Khan. The Punjab Kings also bought him back for Rs.9 crore. Ajinkya Rahane was another player who sold for Rs.10 crore.
The Indian Premier League mega auction will take place in Bengaluru on February 12-13. Ahmedabad and the Lucknow Super Giants have already named their captains and spinners. Moreover, the Royal Challengers Bangalore retained skipper Virat Kohli and have added Rashid Khan and Andre Russell to their squad. So, which of them will emerge as the most expensive foreign player in the IPL 2022 mega auction?
Quinton de Kock is also another potential top-level foreign player. The Australian pacer has the ability to provide decent runs down the order, but also offers valuable 4 overs. Though the price tag of this player is unknown, the auction could fetch up to INR 16 Cr. If Sundar is bought by MI or RR, it is likely that the other team will bid for him. If LSG fails to secure him, he will most likely end up with the lowest-priced foreign player in IPL 2022.
Quinton de Kock is expected to be the highest-priced foreign player in the IPL 2022 auction. He had a superb 2020 season with 503 runs, including four half centuries. The South African is also expected to attract a bidding war, so expect him to fetch a high price. In the 2021 auction, Dhawan’s value will likely increase even further. The price he earns will be close to 11 Cr.
