IPL 2021 Auction: Chris Morris becomes most expensive player in IPL history; goes to RR for 16.25 crore
South African all-rounder Chris Morris on Thursday etched his name into the annals of IPL history by becoming the costliest player at IPL auctions. Being bought at INR 16.25 crores by Rajasthan Royals.
Chris Morris was roped in by Royal Challengers Bangalore at a whopping Rs 10 crore last year. However, he was released by the franchise after making just 9 appearances last season where he scored 34 runs and picked up 12 wickets.
A good hitter of the ball down the order and a prolific wicket-taker, Morris is the type of all-rounder any team would like to have in their ranks. However, his fitness issues might hamper his chances of fetching a big contract like last year.
There are 292 players up for auction. According to the official statement by the IPL, 1114 players had registered with them for the 2021 auction. However, the final list sees just 292 cricketers. The highest reserve price in this auction has been fixed at Rs 2 crore. Only two Indians are in that elite club. Kedar Jadhav and Harbhajan Singh have a base price of Rs 2 crore each.
Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings were in the bid for Morris, with the Royals eventually prevailing with the highest bid.
Morris represented the RCB in the previous edition of the tournament, fetching Rs 10 crore.
There was a whopping 21 percent growth in his final price, as Morris' base-price was set at Rs 75 lakh ahead of the auction
The IPL 2021 auction is seeing eight franchises aggressively bidding for nearly 300 players will be conducted in Chennai. Some interesting bidding wars is being seen for players that have a higher base price. South African Chrish morris became the most expensive cricketer in the IPL history as Rajsthan Royal bought him for Rs 16.25 crore'
Bangladesh All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan bought by KKR for Rs 3.2 crore. This time also Glenn Maxwell sold in a huge price, The Australian all-rounder was bought by RCB for Rs 14.25 crore. Earlier, Steve Smith sold to Delhi Capitals for 2.2 crores. Aaron Finch up next, base price Rs 1 crore, goes unsold. Hanuma Vihari also goes unsold. published by - The Beyond News (sports)