In the ongoing Indian Premier League's (IPL) mega auction, the rechristened Punjab Kings (PBKS) splurged big bucks on the English cricketer Liam Livingstone for a hefty price of INR 11.50 crore on Sunday (February 13). Livingstone became the the biggest purchase so far for the Punjab-based franchise and the most expensive overseas player in the auction.
Livingstone is a destructive batsman who has close to 350 overall sixes to his name across formats. He had been bought by Rajasthan Royals in the 2021 auction for Rs 75 lakh, but did not get a game in the first half of the season. However, Livingstone has since been in the form of his life, earning him a call-up to the England side for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He was the biggest six-hitter in The Hundred 2021, with 27 sixes during the competition, including ten in one match. He was the leading run-scorer (348) in the tournament as well.
Livingstone is proof that Big Bash success provides players with a clear route to selection in T20 internationals.
Livingstone, who missed the last BBL edition, had a fabulous season in 2020 where he played some exceptional knocks for Perth Scorchers who remained runners-up in it but came out all guns blazing to emerge the champions of the recently concluded BBL season.
Meanwhile, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was all praise for the English cricketer and said Livingstone truly deserved the bid.
"I think he deserves it. A lot of people might not agree with that, but I predicted that nearly two months ago because of the kind of skill set he has got. He's a batter, he's got fast hands, amazing wrists, and at one point of time, I think a couple of seasons back - he was the No. 2 six-hitter in the world, especially when it comes to T20 cricket," said Irfan.
"Most importantly, he can actually bowl leg-spin if a right-hand batter comes and he can bowl off-spin when a left-hand batter comes. If you're smart and can manage him, he will be very good. So, a perfect buy," he further added.
Earlier, the young gun who hogged limelight post the Vijay Hazare blitz was India all-rounder Shahrukh Khan on Saturday who was acquired by Punjab Kings for Rs 9 crore.
PBKS auction picks so far:
Liam Livingstone (Rs 11.5 crore)
Shikhar Dhawan (Rs 8.25 crore)
Kagiso Rabada (Rs 9.25 crore)
Jonny Bairstow (Rs 6.75 crore)
Rahul Chahar (Rs 5.25 crore)
Harpreet Brar (3.8 crore)
Shahrukh Khan (9 crore)
Prabhsimran Singh (60 lakh)
Jitesh Sharma (20 lakh)
Ishan Porel (3.8 crore)
Odeon Smith (Rs 6 crore)
