Mumbai Indians (MI) paying Jofra Archer INR 8 crores in the recent IPL 2022 auction was one of the most head-scratching decisions on day two of the two-day event. England board had informed the BCCI, who in turn told the franchises, that Archer will not play in IPL 2022.
The BCCI also told the franchises if they buy Archer in this auction, they will not get a replacement player in his absence. Yet Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals engaged in a bidding war for the fast bowler, who were joined by Sunrisers Hyderabad as well.
Finally, MI’s deep pocket outbid Rajasthan and Archer will join the Rohit Sharma-led franchise and is expected to play from IPL 2023 onwards and owner Akash Ambani called it an investment.
Meanwhile, Kumar Sangakkara, director of cricket operations of Rajasthan Royals was caught on camera, cheekily trying to convince other franchise officials to bid for Archer in order to up the amount that Mumbai Indians had to pay.
Sunrisers Hyderabad did manage to give Mumbai one last tussle with their Rs 7.75 crore bid, but the latter raised the bar by a mark, and Archer was subsequently roped in by the five-time IPL winners. Mumbai will be unleashing a dream pace combination of Archer and Jasprit Bumrah in the 2023 season.
