Money, Money, Money
Jamieson didn’t know how much `15 crore was
Christchurch, Feb. 19: Waking up at around midnight in New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson wondered how much `15 crore would be in his country’s currency, after having watched an intense three-way bid for him in the IPL auction.
The 6’8” pacer eventually ended up with Royal Challengers Bangalore for
$2 million approximately, making him the highest paid New Zealander and fourth highest in the IPL’s
14-year history.
“I woke up around midnight and decided to check the phone. Rather than trying to avoid the situation, (I thought) I’ll sit back and enjoy it. It was certainly a weird hour and a half waiting for my name to be called up,” Jamieson was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.
“I had a message from Shane Bond (former New Zealand pacer and Mumbai Indians bowling coach) as it was going and he said, ‘How good is this’.
“I didn’t actually know what the amount of money, how that translated to New Zealand dollars. It was quite cool to share that moment with him and ride that two or three minutes with him,” he added.
Also showing in interest in him were Delhi Capitals and the Punjab Kings in the auction on Thursday.
Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson, RCB’s director of cricket operations, led the charge to win the three-way bidding for Jamieson, who made his Test debut against India at home last year.
His retainer fee for the Black Caps, according to the report, is between
$100,000 to $150,000, which makes RCB’s winning bid amount 20 times more.
It completed a rapid rise for Jamieson, who is known for extracting awkward bounce. The rightarm quick, playing in the
2019 Super Smash, picked up 6 for 7 in four overs, a New Zealand T20 record.
He has so far played in six Tests, two ODIs and four T20Is. He took two five-wicket hauls in his first four Tests and has also shown a lot of competence with the bat as well.
Asked what would he buy if his New Zealand teammates asked for a treat, Jamieson said, “Probably a few coffees I would have thought.
“I don’t know. It’s only been a few hours. My bank account hasn’t changed overnight, but there’ll be a bit of stick given and a few coffees and a few beers I’m sure,” the New Zealand speedster further added.
Jamieson will join a starstudded RCB team who scooped `14.5 crore in the auction. —