IPL provides one of the best opportunities for foreign players to take part and become catalysts for the success of their respective franchises. Over the years, foreign players have led the way for the Indian youngsters in the IPL. Players such as Chris Gayle, AB De Villiers, Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard, etc., are some veterans who have provided a glamorous perspective to the IPL with their performances. To recall, every IPL franchise can include 8 overseas players in the full squad and 4 in the playing XI. This ensures that the players get ample opportunities.
In the IPL 2022 mega auction, a few foreign players failed to find any buyers. However, in the IPL 2023 auction, their fortunes can change. Let us look at 4 foreign players who went unsold in the IPL 2022 mega auction but can find buyers in IPL 2023 auction.
Also Read: IPL Media Rights 2023-27 E-Auction: BCCI Gets Paid 44,075 Crore For TV, And Digital Rights
STEVE SMITH
It was surprising to see Steve Smith among the list of players who could not find buyers in the IPL 2022 mega auction. The Australian batsman had set a base price of Rs 2 crore before the IPL 2022 auction draft. It seems the franchise was not ready to accept him for such a high price. Steve Smith, in 103 matches, has scored 2485 runs, at an average of 128 and strike rate of close to 135. Steve Smith can be a valuable asset for teams like KKR, SRH, and PBKS, with a weak middle-order. These teams can target Steve Smith in the IPL 2023 auction.
ADAM ZAMPA
After the impressive performance by Adam Zampa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, where he picked the second-highest wickets (total of 13 in 7 innings), hardly anyone would have thought that Adam Zampa won’t be on the list of sold players in the IPL 2022 mega auction. But, surprisingly, not a single IPL franchise placed a bid on Adam Zampa.
However, this might change in the IPL 2023 auction, as Adam Zampa can be a very useful leg-spinner for teams that lack the same. He will surely be one of the players who can find a buyer in the IPL 2023 auction.
SHAKIB AL HASAN
The Bangladesh all-rounder was a regular player in the IPL for 3 years before the IPL 2022 mega auction, where he went unsold. His base price of Rs 2 crore was perceived to be too high by the IPL franchises. Shakib, in 71 matches, has scored 793 runs and picked 63 wickets.
He is someone who has a wealth of experience in the T20 format, playing for different teams in different T20 leagues across the globe. He can be utilized by teams who lack a proper all-rounder. We expect Shakib Al Hasan to find a buyer in the IPL 2023 mega auction.
DAWID MALAN
Dawid Malan is a late boomer in International cricket. With his consistent performance in the white-ball cricket over the last 2 years, he has made a name for himself. In 35 t20 innings, David Malan scored 1239 runs, at an average of 41 and a healthy strike rate of 137. Given his ability to strike hard, he can indeed be a big asset for any IPL franchise. He can be among the players who can find a buyer in the IPL 2023 auction.
