IPL auction 2022: Punjab Kings goes the distance to buy local players

Punjab Kings were in no mood to let the local boys ply their trade in other franchises in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The Anil Kumble-coached franchise was involved in intense bidding with the other franchises to acquire the home-grown talent during Saturday’s mega IPL auction in Bengaluru. IPL AUCTION 2022 LIVEIn the process, the franchise managed to have the last laugh while bidding for Zirakpur left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar and Patiala wicketkeeper-batsman Prabhsimran Singh.

While Harpreet attracted a fierce battle from Gujarat Titans, Punjab made sure they retained the tweaker by investing Rs 3.8 crore. This despite Harpreet heading into the auction with a base price of mere Rs 20 lakh. Prabhsimran, who also had a base price of Rs 20 lakh, was bought by the franchise for Rs 60 lakh.

PBKS, however, failed to buy Amritsar all-rounder Abhishek Sharma. A member of the victorious 2018 U19 World Cup campaign, the explosive left-handed batsman attracted intense bidding from Punjab and Hyderabad.

Despite a late entry from Gujarat, Hyderabad managed to re-sign him for Rs 6.5 crore. Sharma, who had earlier plied his trade for the Hyderabad side, spent a season with the Delhi Capitals before returning to the Orange Army.

Kumble entrusted to solve PBKS captaincy puzzleYet to lay their hands on the IPL title after 14 long seasons, Punjab Kings are on a mission to rebuild their squad for the upcoming season. Barring opener Mayank Agarwal and left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, the franchise released all their players, including the likes of Chris Gayle and KL Rahul, and went into the mega auction with the highest purse of Rs 72 crore.

Focussed on getting a balanced squad for the season, and possibly form a