Cricket News
Five big names that went unsold at SA 20 League Auction
There were some big names who failed to attract buyers at the auctions.
The auction for the inaugural edition of the SA 20 League was held on September 19, 2022. Youngster Tristan Stubbs got the highest bid at the auction as he was sold to Sunrisers Eastern Cape for a staggering R 9.2 million (Rs 4.1 crore).
While several youngsters including Stubbs and Marco Jansen went for big bucks at the auction, there were some notable omissions as well. Some of the most renowned names failed to attract a buyer. Let’s take a look at the top five players who went unsold at the auction:
- Dean Elgar (South Africa)
Dean Elgar (Source: Twitter)
South African Test skipper, Dean Elgar failed to attract bidders at the auction as none of the six participating teams showed interest in the southpaw. The 35-year-old is one of the most respected figures in South African cricket. Elgar is leading the charge with the Test team to reignite the flame for the traditional form of cricket in the country.
2. Dinesh Chandimal (Sri Lanka)
Dinesh Chandimal (Source: Twitter)
Star Sri Lankan batter, Dinesh Chandimal also didn’t spark an interest in the buyers at the auction. The wicketkeeper-batter has been a prolific run-scorer for Sri Lanka in Tests this year. He has also been named as one of the reserve players in Sri Lanka’s squad for the upcoming 20-20 World Cup.
3. Temba Bavuma (South Africa)
Temba Bavuma (Source: Twitter)
Despite being out of form for quite some time, no one could have predicted Temba Bavuma to go unsold at the auction. The South African limited overs skipper is also one of the prominent faces of the national team, and his abilities with the bat and on the field make him an indispensable player in any squad.
4. Ross Taylor (New Zealand)
Ross Taylor (Source: Twitter)
Former New Zealand batter Ross Taylor also couldn’t get his name on the team sheet of any of the six teams as he went unsold. The Kiwi player has been a part of some of the most successful franchises in the world. Maybe, it was the age factor that didn’t work in Taylor’s favour and the franchises decided to move on from the blackcaps legend batter in the shortest format of the game.
5. Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies)
Carlos Brathwaite (Source: Twitter)
One of the most sought-after all-rounders in the world, Carlos Brathwaite, was not acquired by any of the franchises in the auction. The flamboyant all-rounder can walk into the playing XI of any team with his power-hitting abilities and bowling capabilities. The West Indian star could still make the inaugural edition of the tournament if someone picks up an injury during the tournament.
