The England and Wales Cricket Board had already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India that Jofra Archer won’t be available for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League due to injury issues.
Yet, the right-arm quick enrolled himself for the Player Auction at a base price of Rs 2 crore.
After waiting a long time, Mumbai Indians triggered first big buy of the day when Archer’s name was up for grabs.
The Mumbai Indians table went into a frenzy, getting involved in a bidding war, first with Rajasthan Royals and then with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
From a base price of Rs 2 crore, Archer, who was the Most Valuable Player in his debut year in IPL 2020, went into the five-crore club in the blink of an eye. Sunrisers Hyderabad got close with Rs 7 crore, but had to relent as Mumbai Indians launched a relentless approach to get their man.
In the end, it was the five-time champions who prevailed with a bid Rs 8 crore.
Many wondered whether the decision made sense, given Archer’s injury status.
Last December, he underwent elbow surgery which will reportedly keep him out of action till this summer.
Meanwhile, the BCCI plans to host IPL 2022 sometime in March.
According to Mumbai Indians owner Aakash Ambani, the decision to acquire Archer was more of an investment point of view.
"Jofra has been a player Mahela (Jayawardene) gave his first professional debut to. Since then we have been thinking about it. This year, he won’t be with us, but next year, Jofr and Boom (Jasprit Bumrah) will be great together," said Akash.
