Pacer Edwards most expensive Windies player for IPL auction

Your Ad Here

GOA, India (CMC) - Fast bowler Fidel Edwards will be the highest valued West Indies players when the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is staged today.

The 26-year-old Barbadian was one of eight West Indies players that will be involved in the media frenzy along with Sylvester Joseph, Darren Sammy, Kieron Pollard, Andre Fletcher, Kieron Powell, Dwayne Smith and Kemar Roach.

Edwards, who recently crested 100 wickets in Tests on the recent tour of New Zealand, has been valued at US$150,000.

The West Indians will be among 112 other players, including 27 Australians, 21 Englishmen, 15 Sri Lankans and 13 South Africans, who will go under the hammer in the multi-million dollar event.

Pollard, the big-hitting Trinidadian all-rounder, has been pre-valued at US$60,000 while rookie pacer Roach has been pencilled in at US$50,000.

IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said he was pleased with the interest shown in the tournament.

"Clearly the Indian Premier League has set new standards in helping uncover and hone some exciting new talents, that have gone on to gain international recognition," said Modi.

"All of which augurs well for development of world cricket. We are extremely happy with the interest the league has garnered globally."

England star Kevin Pietersen is set to fetch the highest price at the auction, with franchises expected to pay around US$1.35 million. Teammate Andrew Flintoff is tipped to get around US$950,000.

New South African batting sensation JP Duminy is also one of the highest valued players at $300,000.
The IPL runs from April 10 to May 29.
>