IPL auction: Deal or no deal for England stars
Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff are both expected to command top dollar at the IPL auction. Telegraph Sport highlights which England players will prove a smash hit and which will fail to attract interest...
Last Updated: 11:24AM GMT 05 Feb 2009
Kevin Pietersen - $1.35 million
The headline act. Pietersen's valuation is expected to reach around the $2m mark, making him the world's richest player. Bangalore are the favourites to sign Pietersen but Rajasthan Royals, the IPL champions, are flush with money, while Mumbai may be tempted to team Pietersen with Tendulkar. If he joins Bangalore, expect plenty of TV commercials featuring KP and Vijay Mallya, the team owner and India's most high profile businessman.
Deal or no deal: Big bucks for KP.
Andrew Flintoff - $950,000
One franchise official was quoted in the Indian media as vowing to do "whatever it takes" to win the Flintoff auction. With at least three franchises identifying Flintoff as their main target, a bidding war could spiral his value to the max.
Deal or no deal: Expect India to be gripped by Freddie mania
Paul Collingwood - $250,000
Collingwood represents a smart pick and with a base price of $250,000 he would offer value for money for franchises concerned about their bank balance. Collingwood's celebrity status is about as high as a pint of Newcie Brown, but franchises have learned from the mistakes of last year when reputations equalled dollar signs but not necessarily performances on the field.
Deal or no deal: Colly and lots of lolly has a certain ring.
Owais Shah - $150,000
Kolkata are thought to be interested in Shah, particularly as Ricky Ponting is unlikely to be available for the majority of the IPL due to Australia commitments. Shah is expected to fetch more than his $150,000 base valuation.
Deal or no deal: Hopes are high in the Shah household.
Luke Wright - $150,000
The star of the first IPL was Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, and the pair do share similarities. Wright's powerful presence at the crease, as well as his age (23), make him an attractive proposition for teams looking to unearth a bargain. Wright's medium-pace death bowling adds to his value.
Deal or no deal: Outside chance of contract.
Ravi Bopara - $150,000
Bopara is a talented all-round cricketer and with such a low base price ($150,000) he is likely to attract interest. His Asian roots will also help, particularly with Pakistani cricketers barred by their government from appearing in this year's IPL. Bopara's Twenty20 record is excellent (strike rate: 121), and this year there is evidence the franchises have done their homework.
Deal or no deal: Disappointment seemingly looms.
