Cameron Green has become the most expensive Australian ever bought at the IPL auction.
The talented all-rounder, who is yet to establish himself in Australia’s international limited-overs teams despite showing enormous potential, was snapped up by the Mumbai Indians for a cool $3.15 million AUD.
Green breaks Test captain Pat Cummins’ previous record for the highest-earning Aussie, with Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Delhi Capitals entering a bidding frenzy for the Western Australian’s services, which started at just $360,000.
Cummins earned $3.16 million AUD after being taken by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2019 auction; however, Green’s price was higher in India rupees – 17.5 crore (one crore is worth 10 million rupees) compared to 15.5.
The Test skipper will also miss this year’s IPL due to a packed international schedule that includes an away Ashes and ODI World Cup in India, releasing him from his more modest $1.35 million Knight Riders contract for 2023.
“I’m pinching myself that this has all happened,” Green said in a statement released by Cricket Australia.
“It’s such a weird feeling watching an auction for yourself. I can’t believe how nervous I was and I was shaking like anything when the final call was confirmed.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of the IPL and it’s going to be so cool to be a part of it.
“The Mumbai Indians are one of the powerhouses of the competition so I feel very humbled to be joining them. I can’t wait to get there next year.”
However, Green wasn’t even the highest buy of the night, with England all-rounder and T20 World Cup player of the tournament Sam Curran bought for $3.3 million by the Punjab Kings – the most expensive signing ever.
Green’s price was even higher than England captain and limited-overs hero Ben Stokes, who was taken by Chennai Super Kings for $2.93 million.
It was a mixed result for other Australians in the first stage of the auction – Jhye Richardson will join Green at the Indians for roughly $270,000, while Adam Zampa and speed demon Lance Morris went unsold. Zampa, however, was taken later in the auction by Rajasthan Royals, also for $270,000.
Daniel Sams was the only other Australian signed, becoming a Lucknow Super Giant for $135,000, with Travis Head and Riley Meredith joining Morris in going unsold.
England superstar Joe Root was also passed over only to be snaffled from the bargain bin by the Royals, while in a sign of the times, young gun Harry Brook – whose dynamic batting earned him player of the series honours in their recent 3-0 Test series win over Pakistan – was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for $2.38 million, making him the most expensive specialist batter ever sold at auction.
Among the other signings, New Zealand champion Kane Williamson attracted a sole bid from the Gujarat Titans, joining the franchise for roughly $360,000.
Josh Philippe, Chris Lynn, D’Arcy Short and BBL cult hero Peter Hatzoglou are among a host of other Australians yet to be auctioned.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
You're the inspiration, Don
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Well done, fine sir!
Simoc
Roar Rookie
The MI rate Behrendorf really highly, like the best left arm pace available. He is as capable probably as Mitch Starc given the opportunity here. On the downside they didn't play Tim David last IPL until their season was gone. He'll get starting opportunities this next season.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Don hope you had a great day in the West and scored a brand new Sydney Thunder shirt. I love your team, Don. There's so much balance and players who offer lots of variety/skill. 1. Big Show 2. Lynn 3. Chris Green 4. Stoinis 5. Handscomb 6. Carey 7. Abbott 8. Kane Richardson 9. Neser 10. Green Cameron 11. Labuschagne Marnus "Funky" Labuschagne is obviously there for his ability to bowl tidy medium pacers and ripping leg spin. Some call him Funky. Some call him the new Sobers. I think he's more than that.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Ha. Ha. Steve Rixon as coach. Duh. Too many anagrams for an old bloke. My team? WKLSHGCSCLB The team it should be? BLGSHCARNCL
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Boxing Day Test. Your 12 to play tomorrow. I'm guessing Warner, Khawaja, Henriques, Smith, Kurtis Patterson, Wade, Handscombthen just the big four bowlers from NSW?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
What is the BDT? How many in the squad?
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
What's your team for the BDT, Don? (Merry Christmas and all that, BTW. May it be supremely fattening)
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
..... which is train coming the other way. But then again I'm a Cancer.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Probably the same as when they head down to Chowpatty Beach and are surrounded by some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Or move in or around Bollywood's Film City. It's Mumbai, life's like that.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
I'm a Leo and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
If it wasn’t conflicting with another tour, why wouldn’t you? Exposure, experience and a couple of hundred grand in the bank for two months ‘work’.
Rellum
Roar Guru
IF you are a State player you would. An Aus player, mmmmm???
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
That’s his net worth - accumulated over his career.
Simoc
Roar Rookie
Of course Dhoni is CSK not MI.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Sheesh. The greatest gully fielder of all-time. On the boundary is another thing. The beauty of Mallet was that his ability was so good he ashley didn’t look like he took it. His was the most sublime action. In fact there is footage of him running and looking like he was congratulating someone else for the catch he just took! Chappelli has spoken about the juxtaposition of his clumsiness versus the other-worldly way he took gully. Dougie found him amusing too.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
What rule anywhere says the best play at #3 or #4? “Silly, silly comment…”, Birthday Suit. If we have a batsman suited to opening (Labuschagne) and the alternatives are not as strong, it’s maximising our resources to move Green into the firing line. His ability is wasted at #6. If he bats at 3 or 4, we never need our #6. Agar, Richardson or Neser and the keeper provide the #6 – #8 runs. We then have 6 top line bowlers, with variety and 100 runs an innings more because Green gets a bat. If you followed Green’s WA career, you’d see the things you claim you “don’t see” now. It seems as if you are a victim of the last game you watched.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
You almost said Australian Football players. :laughing:
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He busted that index because he can do the boundary as well. Ashley wasn't a great fan of moving, and when he did, he tended to trip over.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Behrendorff and Tim David.