England players like Monty Panesar might reap in huge dividends courtesy the Test series win against Team India recently. Few players have been available so far like Kevin Pietersen for the Indian Premier League (IPL) organized by the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) to unearth local talents. However, the busy schedule of various English cricketers has not allowed them to participate in the lucrative league so far. However, more and more players are now being allowed by their respective clubs to participate in the IPL-6 auction to be held on February 3. It was Matt Prior who was the first entrant with many other players following suit.
Brit spin sensation Monty Panesar has become the latest casualty to join the ranks on par with Prior and Eoin Morgan so far. Other players like Ravi Bopara from Essex have already made it to the elite list already. Meanwhile, it would be interesting to watch Panesar being bought by one of the franchises in the wake of his recent heroics with the ball on turning Indian pitches. The Sussex player has been in such an ominous form that every franchise would like cash upon it as quickly as possible. It was Kolkata Knight Riders that went to win IPL-5 in 2012 after West Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine has spun the team to glory.
Similar results are now being expected from Panesar as well. Having a point to prove already on his day, the spinner has already bowled experienced players like Sachin Tendulkar in the Test series, which can be considered as a big achievement in itself. Considering the fact that Panesar was able to perform well when Indian spinners like R. Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha have failed, he definitely has got an edge now over others to get selected.
Sussex has released an official statement that they are willing to allow Panesar to participate in the IPL auction despite admitting the fact that his loss in the County Championship will after their chances dearly. Matt Prior, Ravi Bopara and Monty Panesar are the three players who have been cleared so far. Interestingly, all these England players regularly feature in the Test series and have played an instrumental role in the recently concluded Test series against India last year. Fresh from celebrating Christmas and New Year events, these English players have got much more to offer when they play during the IPL matches.
Meanwhile, the chances of getting a huge pay packet are already grim because almost every franchise have exhausted up their balance because of which paying more would be a farce. Also, they now have to compete with the likes of Michael Clarke because of which their chances will get only even slimmer. England Test cricketers have been alerted by the ECB that all such players should make themselves available for the finals of the County Championship whenever their respective teams are scheduled to play. The onus will now be on the players now to play after getting selected during the IPL auction.
