IPL — where talent meets opportunity

Just like mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, the Indian Premier League auction valuations also have a rider: a player’s selling price does not necessarily reflect his worth on the field.

With a sharp surge in uncapped domestic cricketers’ earnings during Tuesday’s auction, Akash Ambani, Mumbai Indians team owner, offered a word of caution to the youngsters.

“Generally very, very happy for the uncapped players. They should remember that the auction is a place of demand and supply and not wear the price on the head… it’s about when your name comes up and what slots are teams looking to fill,” Akash Ambani said.

Shashwat Goenka, the Lucknow Super Giants owner, stated the uncapped players’ salary reflects the growth of the IPL. “One of the key founding principles of the IPL was to grow domestically. I think the IPL has come a long way in furthering that cause,” he said.

It also means that the franchisees will have to be extra-vigilant to ensure the price-tag pressure does not affect young Indian talent.

“Whenever you can get a strong core of local players, the team is in good shape. Sometimes you have to invest time in that and also money… because what is happening is the scouting on numerous tournaments around India is becoming very important,” Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming said.

“So players are being watched and being studied and being bought with a view to performing the way they are performing now, but also with another eye on the future. The fact that it can be life-changing is a really rewarding aspect for doing something that they love. But first and foremost, they are bought for their skills. That’s what they have been identified for, which is a celebration for them and their family.”