Once most expensive player in IPL auction, this India cricketer is now plying his trade in Florida

Once most expensive player in IPL auction, this India cricketer is now plying his trade in Florida (BCCI Photo)

Strange are the ways of cricket. A player who was once sold for a record sum in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, went on to play just one T20I for India, before vanishing into oblivion. But life does give a second chance and if one stays true to the game, an opportunity sure does come along.

That seems to be the story of Pawan Negi in a nutshell. Negi made heads turn when he was bought by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for a record sum of Rs 8.5 crore in the 2016 IPL auction.

Negi was first acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2014 and 2015 at his base price of Rs10 lakh. His 2014 season with CSK was noteworthy, particularly in the CLT20 final when he claimed 5/22.

Then came the 2016 auction when Delhi Daredevils stunned one and all by acquiring Negi’s services for a record Rs 8.5 crore. But he didn’t live up to the expectations and the franchise released him after a below-par season.

During the 2016 Asia Cup, Negi played one T20I game for India, against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), his solitary appearance for the nation. Almost a decade later Negi is playing in Mayor’s New World T20 in Florida.

This is the first edition of the tournament, which began on November 8 and will run till November 16, at the Broward County Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Organised by Pramanit Global Ventures USA Inc., the 12-day T20 tournament marks a landmark moment for the growth of professional cricket in North America.

The league will feature four competitive franchises — the Florida Hurricanes, New York Cavaliers, California Steelers, and Chicago Raiders — each blending international stars with promising domestic talent. Among the featured players are Denesh Ramdin and Tino Best (Florida Hurricanes); Dwayne Smith and Kevon Cooper (New York Cavaliers); Naman Ojha, Samit Patel, and Pawan Negi (California Steelers); and Chaitanya Bishnoi, Manpreet Gony, and Kennar Lewis (Chicago Raiders).

As the official league ambassador, cricket icon Sir Vivian Richards adds worldwide significance to the event with his unmatched legacy and global impact. His affiliation supports the league's goal of making the US a new global cricket superpower.

Willow TV and Sling TV will provide live coverage of the Mayor's New World T20 in North America, while Eurosport, Doordarshan, and Veto (India TV) will broadcast it throughout South Asia.