5 highest paid players at the MCL auction
The inaugural player auction for the Masters Champions League, which will take place in 2016 was held behind closed doors in Dubai. Although there were only 90 slots available in total for all six teams, 250 former cricketers were in contention and the auction saw plenty of surprises.All players were categorised based on their international appearances into four divisions -Icons, A+ players (more than 100 caps), A players and Associate players, with base prices starting at $10,000.Let us take a look at the most expensive players from the auction.
#5 Muttiah Muralitharan - Gemini Arabians ($120,000)
The all-time leading ODI and Test wicket-taker was the fifth-most expensive player at the MCL auction, as Muttiah Muralitharan was signed by Gemini Arabians for $120,000. Muralitharan, who bowled well in Cricket All-Stars, will be hoping to bamboozle a few more batsmen in the inaugural MCL.
Muralitharan's off spin has long been a source of frustration for international batsmen, who couldn't pick him, so ended up not only losing their wickets, but also found themselves unable to score too many off him. Although he made his debut long before the arrival of T20s, it is a testament to Muralitharan's skills that he still has a tremendous record in the shortest format of the game.
In 164 T20 matches, the former Sri Lankan spinner has taken 179 wickets at a staggering economy rate of just 6.3. He has played in the IPL, Big Bash and the Caribbean Premier League. Despite playing for two decades, batsmen still struggle to pick his deliveries and that is what makes him a very good buy, even if he is the fifth-most expensive player.