The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction pool for 2023 is set, with 333 players competing for 77 available slots. Three Indian capped players headline the highest base price bracket of INR 2 crore: seam bowlers Harshal Patel and Shardul Thakur, and veteran pacer Umesh Yadav.
Harshal, coming off a stellar IPL season that earned him a national team call-up, fetched a staggering INR 10.75 crore in the auction two years ago. This year, all eyes will be on his performance and potential bidding war.
The IPL Governing Council has shortlisted the initial player pool of 1166 to 333 after receiving franchises’ wish lists. Among these, 214 are Indian players, 119 are overseas, and 2 are from associate nations. The 10 franchises collectively hold a purse of INR 262.95 crore.
Overseas players are expected to be in high demand, with 30 slots designated for them. Australians will likely attract significant interest, particularly those from the recent World Cup winning team. Names like Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Mitchell Starc all find themselves in the INR 2 crore category.
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, with a base price of INR 50 lakh, will be one of the players to watch closely. South African pacer Gerald Coetzee and batter Rassie van der Dussen are also expected to draw attention.
English keeper-batter Tom Kohler-Cadmore, with his big-hitting prowess across leagues and an affordable base price of INR 40 lakh, could spark a bidding war.
Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, returning to the auction pool with a base price of INR 1.5 crore, and World Cup teammate Dilshan Madushanka are also likely to attract significant interest.
Young Indian pacers like Shivam Mavi, Kartik Tyagi, and the ever-injured Kamlesh Nagarkoti, all familiar faces in the IPL circuit, have base prices ranging from INR 20 to INR 30 lakh.
The IPL auction is always a spectacle filled with surprises and bidding battles. With a strong pool of players across various categories and price points, the 2023 auction promises to be an exciting event for fans and franchises alike.
