South African Chris Morris became the most expensive player bought for the Indian Premier League when Rajasthan Royals paid $2.25 million as part of a spending spree by the world’s richest Twenty20 tournament.
A host of stars from top cricket nations picked up million dollar-plus contracts for the 10-week tournament that is expected to start in April.
“Serious money” was laid out, said England wicket keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow. The fee for the 33-year-old Morris smashed the record $2.2 million paid for Yuvraj Singh by Delhi in 2015. Australian bowler Pat Cummins had previously been the most expensive foreign player, costing Kolkata Knight Riders $2.17m in 2019.
The IPL clubs opened up their cheque books as they seek to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic which forced them to play behind closed doors last year. (AFP)