Morris rakes in the IPL cash

Proteas all-rounder Chris Morris has become the most expensive player bought for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 33-year-old Morris, who played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore last season, was bought by rivals Rajasthan Royals for $2.25 million yesterday at the IPL auction.

Converted to Rands, Morris stands to earn at least R32.8 million from the transaction.

“The most expensive player in IPL history is now a Royal,” Rajasthan said as it trumpeted the signing of Morris, who will join a team including England stars Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes.

“It was quite a high price, but at the same time, the role in the team and the demand for the role plays a large part,” Royals’ director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara said.

The fee smashed the record $2.2 million paid for Yuvraj Singh by the Delhi Daredevils in 2015.

Australia’s Pat Cummins had previously been the most expensive foreign player when Kolkata Knight Riders paid $2.17m for him in 2019.

Morris, who has played for the Proteas at T20, One Day International and Test level, hasn’t been part of the national setup since the World Cup in England a few years ago.

The Titans player previously played for Rajasthan in the IPL in 2015 and also turned out for Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.

Morris also features for several other teams in T20 cricket, namely Hampshire in England and Sydney

Thunder in Australia.

In a sign that IPL clubs are eager to invest in top international stars despite the coronavirus pandemic, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell went to Royal Challengers Bangalore for $1.95m after another intense auction.

The 32-year-old Maxwell was released by Punjab Kings after just one season after Punjab had paid $1.5 million for him in 2020.

Punjab snapped up Australian quick Jhye Richardson for $1.9 million and Australia captain Steve Smith went to Delhi Capitals for $300 000.