CRICKET: Former England captains Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff became the highest-priced players in the Indian Premier League today. Pietersen, who had a reserve price of €1.05 million, was eventually sold to Bangalore Royal Challengers for €1.20 million, while Flintoff was snapped up by the Chennai Super Kings for the same price.
“We were very keen on Pietersen and I’m glad I got him at the price I paid,” said Royal Challengers team owner Vijay Mallya. “He is a superb addition to the team and I, of course, would love him to play for six weeks rather than three.”
Asked if Pietersen would lead the team, Mallya added: “The captaincy slot is open, but a decision will be made after a discussion. Pietersen will be with us for three weeks and that is something we have to take into consideration.”
N Srinivasan of the Chennai Super Kings was pleased with the acquisition of Flintoff.
He said: “He is an outstanding all-rounder and will improve the balance of the team.”
Fellow England players Paul Collingwood, Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara were all sold but there were no bidders for Luke Wright or Samit Patel.
Wright and Patel’s only chance of making the IPL this year is if the franchises pick them up as replacements for the Pakistan players, who have been barred from taking part by their government, after the auction.