IPL Auctions 2023: Bangladesh and Zimbabwe players to be featured in the league

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 mini-auction finished with a huge bidding day which took place in Kochi on 23rd December, Friday. The ten teams bought 80 players after having spent a total price of Rs 164.5 crore at the mini-auction in Kochi as well.

However, England all-rounder Sam Curran became the most expensive player in the history of the league after being bought at a whopping Rs 18.5 crore bid from Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, Australia all-rounder Cameron Green became the second-highest earner, after fetching a price of Rs 17.5 crore bid from Mumbai Indians as well. On the other hand, England Test captain Ben Stokes was the third-highest earner, as Chennai Super Kings bought him for a price of Rs 16.25 crore as well. Meanwhile, a total of 80 players, including 29 overseas players, were sold for a total price of Rs 167 crore as well.

#1. Sikandar Raza

Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza made headlines with his all-round show in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He played important roles in Zimbabwe’s series where they beat Bangladesh in ODI and T20I series. He scored a century against India, followed by Zimbabwe’s win against Australia in their backyard. He was also a part of Zimbabwe’s T20 World Cup squad that defeat Pakistan in a dramatic fashion.

And, he was rewarded for his stunning show when he earned his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) deal on Friday during the auction when Punjab Kings bought him for a base price of INR 50 lakhs. The veteran is expected to utilise his skill in the cash-rich league as well.

#2. Shakib Al Hasan

Kolkata Knight Riders bought Shakib Al Hasan for a price of Rs. 1.5 crore at the IPL 2023 auction in Kochi on Friday. However, the all-rounder had initially gone unsold in the second set of players as well. Meanwhile, the teams recalled the player’s name for the accelerated auction when the KKR bought him. Notably, he was the last signing of the auction as well.

However, Shakib Al Hasan has previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, winning two titles with the team in 2012 and 2014 as well. In 71 matches in the cash-rich league, he averages 19.82 with the bat at a strike rate of 124.49 as well. With the ball, he scalped 63 wickets and bowls at an economy rate of 7.44 also. Meanwhile, he had gone unsold in the 2022 mega auction in February. He was recently appointed as Bangladesh’s captain for the T20 World Cup as well.

#3. Liton Das

Bangladesh opener Liton Das was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders during the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Kochi on Friday before the 2023 season. He was bought for 1.5 crores after he remained unsold initially. Meanwhile, Kolkata was also the only bidder for Liton as well. After being overlooked in the auction of the previous edition as well. However, it was his very first time.

However, Liton became only the seventh Bangladeshi to be picked by an IPL side after Mohammad Ashraful, Abdur Razzak, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mustafizur. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the league.