West Indies main Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph fetched a record million-dollar deal in the Indian Premier League auction yesterday.
The 27-year-old Joseph, who has made 115 international appearances across all three formats, was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for US$1.3 million following a bidding war with Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.
Surprisingly, there were no deal for leading West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, who featured last season for Rajasthan Royals, taking four wickets in eight matches, while the likes of left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, and all-rounders Keemo Paul and Odean Smith, also went unsold.
Joseph’s deal came as a surprise, especially after the six-foot, four-inch Antiguan entered the auction at a base price of $120,000.
However, once bidding began, his price climbed rapidly before RCB finally clinched the deal, Joseph going as the second most expensive West Indian in an IPL auction, following Nicholas Pooran’s US$1.9 million deal in 2022.
“He’s got lots of attributes and strengths that we’re excited about,” said RCB’s director of cricket, Mo Bobat.
“Firstly, he bowls high at pace, which is great, and he bowls from a very high release point, so he gets bounce. They’re good attributes for the Chinnaswamy [Stadium] so we’re really happy about that.
“The other bit that’s really great with him is he’s a recognised death bowler and again, at the Chinnaswamy when runs can go at a rate throughout the innings, having someone who’s got that experience and the skillset and composure at the death is key for us.”
He added: “He’s also someone who knows our captain well. Faf (du Plessis) is a big fan of Alzarri so he’s pretty excited. We’re really happy that we’ve got one of our top targets.”
Joseph has previously turned out for Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, the latter of whom he took seven wickets in as many games for last season.