England’s all-rounder Ben Stokes became the costliest buy of 2017 IPL auction, as he went for a humongous 14.5 crore to Rising Pune Supergiants, after starting at a base price of 2 crore. Not one, not two but more than three franchises spilled their money on him, with Pune finding success in the end. With this, he is also the highest foreign buy in the history of IPL auctions over ten years.
From the very moment his name was announced, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore started with the bidding. Moments later, 2016 IPL winners Sunrisers Hyderabad too tried their luck by entering into the race to pick him. Delhi Daredevils, who showed their interest in their player from the outset, had to step back, given the glare at their bank account.
Surprisingly, Rising Pune Supergiants came from nowhere and showed a big heart to grab the exciting and attacking all-rounder. Before the auction began, they had the sum total of 175,000,000 Rupees in their account, which would have been reduced a 70% by now to just 3,000,0000.
Much before the start, Ben was in contention to make highlights and he didn’t disappointment anyone. By now five players have been sold; Ben Stokes to RPS for 14.5 crore Eoin Morgan to KXIP for 2 crore, Corey Anderson to DD for 1 crore and Angelo Mathews to DD for base price 2 crore.
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