BPL auction: Nazir, Afridi most expensive foreign players

Shakib hits jackpot ahead of the league’s second edition.

KARACHI: Despite the prolonged row over unpaid wages, the second edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) looks all set to commence smoothly after auctions were held yesterday - Imran Nazir and Shahid Afridi were the most expensive foreign players for the league starting next month.      

Afridi, who hit the jackpot last year, was sold for $275,000 with Dhaka grabbing the seasoned all-rounder. However, Imran Nazar claimed top prize among the foreign players with Chittagong getting hold of the fiery batsman for $280,000. Saeed Ajmal, another Pakistan star in the golden category of foreign players, was taken by Barisal for $115,000 as the magical spinner will be available till January 20. Azhar Mahmood also received a lucrative contract from Barisal who will pay the experienced all-rounder $206,000 while former captain Shoaib Malik went to Khulna for $85,000.

Meanwhile, Pakistan players who were placed in the lower categories were also in demand during the auctions. Experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was sold to Rajshahi for $91,000 while pacer Mohammad Sami was also went to the same team for $83,000. Umar Gul, who will be available till January 20, was picked by Barisal for $60,000 while the franchise also confirmed the services of wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal for $75,000. Chittagong bought left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz for $60,000 while Khulna roped in Umar Akmal for $60,000.

Shakib gets top price

Meanwhile, Shakibal Hasan secured the top purse for the second edition after being bought for $365,000. However, his price was almost half of what Shahid Afridi got in the inaugural edition.

Mushfiqur Rahim attracted Sylhet which made the highest bid of $205,000 while Tamim Iqbal was picked by Rajshahi for $165,000. Bangladeshi batsman Nasir Hossain was auctioned off for $208,000 but he cast doubts on whether he would be paid the amount. He was sold last season for $200,000, the highest among local players, but he was still not paid his dues.

“If I am sold at two taka (local currency), please give me that two taka, not one taka,” said Hossain, adding he only got a third of his last year’s fee.

The Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA) in July threatened to sue the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over unpaid wages by the BPL, calling the situation ‘a joke’. BPL Secretary IH Mallick said the authorities would ‘at any cost’ make the second edition successful, adding about 150 foreign players were taking part in the auction.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2012.