‘Pollard texted me, I told him, ‘This can’t be real.’ Do they really pay you that WI star on winning the IPL jackpot
Not only have Indian cricketers benefited financially from the IPL auction, but so have overseas players. Ahead of the IPL 2012, the KKR made a large investment in a player who would not only change their fortunes but also become one of the IPL’s megastars and legends.
The Indian Premier League has given Indian cricket several rags-to-riches stories, transforming cricketers into overnight sensations not only on the field but also off it. The IPL auctions are being discussed here, a mega-event that has changed the lives of many cricketers. Aside from the league’s quality and competitiveness, the IPL has made players millionaires through its auction. Those who once struggled to make ends meet are now living lavish lives. That is the IPL’s power.
Not only have Indian cricketers benefited financially from the IPL auction, but so have overseas players. Ahead of the IPL 2012, the Kolkata Knight Riders made a large investment in a player who would not only change their fortunes but also become one of the IPL’s megastars and legends.
Sunil Narine, who had only played three international matches for West Indies at the time, cost KKR 5.5 crore. And, as they say, the rest is history. Narine recalled how he couldn’t believe the amount of money he was being paid at first and how it took a couple of fellow West Indian cricketers to help him soak it all in.
“Funny story: after the auction, DJ Bravo told me I was signed, but I know he likes to play games, so I didn’t believe him.” Then Pollard texted me, and I told him, “This can’t be real.” Do they actually pay you this amount when they buy you for this amount?” As a young cricketer from a low-income family, I am grateful to my father, who has always kept me grounded no matter what. With that kind of money, the stakes are always high. I didn’t play in the first game, so despite the high price, I realised I wasn’t an automatic pick. It was an early wake-up call – I needed to play well,” Narine told the media.
Narine has been with KKR through thick and thin since then. Narine has 152 wickets and 1025 runs in 148 IPL matches, enhancing his reputation as an exciting opening batter.