Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph summoned a million-dollar deal while Twenty20 captain, Rovman Powell, also picked up a lucrative contract. They are among four West Indies players sold in the Indian Premier League auction recently.
Royal Challengers Bangalore bought the 27-year-old Joseph for US$1.3 million following a bidding war with Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. Joseph’s deal came as a surprise, especially after he entered the auction at a base price of $120,000.
Once the bidding began, his price climbed rapidly before RCB finally clinched the deal. Joseph is the second most expensive West Indian in an IPL auction, following Nicholas Pooran’s US$1.9 million deal in 2022.
“He’s got lots of attributes and strengths that we’re excited about,” said RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat.
“Firstly, he bowls high at pace, which is great and he bowls from a very high release point, so he gets bounce. They’re good attributes for the Chinnaswamy [Stadium] so we’re really happy about that.”
“The other bit that’s really great with him is he’s a recognized death bowler and again, at the Chinnaswamy when runs can go at a rate throughout the innings, having someone who’s got that experience and the skill-set and composure at the death is key for us.”
He added, “He’s also someone who knows our captain well. Faf (du Plessis) is a big fan of Alzarri so he’s pretty excited. We’re really happy that we’ve got one of our top targets.”
Joseph has previously turned out for Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.
Powell, who was appointed to lead the regional side earlier this year, was the first player sold in the auction when Rajasthan Royals snatched him for $892,000, following a scuffle with Kolkata Knight Riders over his services.
West Indies One-Day International Captain Shai Hope and left-hander Sherfane Rutherford later joined Powell and Joseph.
Hope was bought by Delhi Capitals for $90,000 in his first ever IPL deal, while Rutherford heads to Kolkata Knight Riders for $181,000.
However, there was no deal for leading West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder who featured last season for Rajasthan Royals, while left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, and all-rounders Keemo Paul and Odean Smith, also went unsold.
Powell joins West Indies teammate Shimron Hetmyer who had been retained by the franchise.
