IPL auction: 1003 players for 70 spots

A total of 1003 players have registered themselves for the 70 spots available in the eight IPL franchises for the upcoming mini-auction of the 12th edition of Indian Premier League on December 18 in Jaipur.

While the newest addition are players from the Northeastern states, Uttarakhand and Bihar, there will also be 232 overseas players, who have thrown their hat in the ring. There are 800 uncapped players with 746 being Indians.

Among the foreign players, 35 Australians have registered themselves while 27 players are from Afghanistan. The highest number of players registered -- 59 -- are from South Africa.

The list will be further pruned for the auction with franchises being given time till December 10 to submit their wish-list of players. Another notable development will be the absence of auctioneer Richard Madley. Hugh Edmeades will be the new gavel master.

NEW DELHI:

AZHAR, ASAD SCORE CENTURIES

Shafiq and Azhar Ali both scored hundreds as Pakistan took 74-run lead against New Zealand on the third day of third Test here on Wednesday. At stumps, New Zealand, who scored 274 in third first innings, were 26/2, trailing by 48 runs.

Shafiq made a steady 104 and Azhar notched a solid 134 as the duo punished New Zealand during their relentless 201-run stand for the fourth wicket. But both fell within 18 runs of each other. Brief scores New Zealand 274 and 26/2 (K Williamson 14*, W Somerville 1*,

Yasir Shah 1/5), Pak 348 (Azhar Ali 134, Asad Shafiq 104, W Somerville 4/75).

ABUDHABI:Asad