Jan. 7: A total of 353 players will go under the hammer in the two-day auction ahead of the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League, but there will be a large number watching the proceedings from the sidelines wondering about their future. With the BCCI’s decision not to include domestic players in the auction pool, the uncapped players have no option but to wait.
While some are relieved at being spared the nervousness and the tension of the auction, others believe that the authorities have been unfair towards the domestic players.
Former Delhi Daredevils all-rounder Rajat Bhatia is aggrieved at being left out. “It’s not fair for the domestic players, especially those of us who have been playing cricket for more than a decade now. How can you weigh the value of a player who has represented India in one international with someone who has experience of more than 50 Ranji matches?” Bhatia asked.
The 31-year-old is a veteran of 68 first-class matches and 60 List A games. “It would have been better if we were also put in the auction pool and our real value could be judged in front of the world. But now the domestic players have to agree to whatever the franchise owners offer them,” he added.
Deccan Chargers batsman T. Suman agrees with Bhatia. “To have a common salary limit for all the uncapped players is being a bit harsh on the performers, but that’s all in the game,” said the opener who, with 544 runs, leads the batting aggregates among uncapped Indians in the last two seasons of IPL.
Rajasthan Royals paceman Siddharth Trivedi has a different perspective though. “I am just grateful at getting an opportunity to ply my wares in IPL again. I will look to give my 100 per cent for whichever team I play, money is not a consideration,” he said, adding, “I’ll be watching the auction very closely.”