It was a watershed moment in Sri Lankan cricket history. The much-anticipated Lanka Premier League auction, the first of its kind, unfolded amidst palpable excitement in the city of Colombo. A host of Sri Lankan cricketers, both seasoned and green, fetched impressive sums as the bidding war commenced.
Charith Asalanka: An Unprecedented Buy
One of the highlights of the auction was the purchase of middle-order batsman, Charith Asalanka, who fetched a staggering sum of US$80,000. Initially listed at US$30,000, a bidding battle ensued among the teams, with the Colombo Strikers, Jaffna Kings, and Dambulla Aura vying for the former Under-19 Sri Lanka captain’s services. Ultimately, Jaffna Kings emerged victorious, securing Asalanka’s cricketing prowess for the upcoming season.
Shevon Daniel and Binura Fernando: Rising Stars in the Making
Shevon Daniel, a promising young talent, started at a base price of US$5,000. His value saw a significant rise as Galle and Colombo engaged in a bidding war, culminating in Galle securing his services for US$22,000.
Binura Fernando’s base price of US$30,000 more than doubled by the end of the auction, with Dambulla Aura procuring the left-arm seamer for a solid sum of US$76,000.
Sadeera Samarawickrama and Ashen Bandara: Big Earners of the Day
Among the top earners was Sadeera Samarawickrama. The wicketkeeper-batsman began with a price tag of US$20,000 and saw a staggering increase of over 350% as Dambulla Aura took him under their wing for US$68,000.
Leg-spinner Ashen Bandara was another notable buy. He was sold to Kandy for a sum of US$40,000, marking a significant day for the young player.
Dushmantha Chameera and Dinesh Chandimal: Established Players Fetching Impressive Sums
Dushmantha Chameera, despite starting at a solid US$50,000, ended the auction with a slightly disappointing US$70,000. The quick’s price tag was expected to rise even higher, but it remained relatively stagnant.
Kandy, on the other hand, secured the services of Dinesh Chandimal for a satisfying sum of US$72,000, after starting at a base price of US$40,000.
Pathum Nissanka and Dunith Wellalage: Notable Purchases
Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka was another significant buy. Colombo paid a sum of US$40,000 for his services, providing a considerable boost to their lineup.
Dunith Wellalage, despite his absence from the World Cup Qualifiers, attracted interest from three franchises. Starting at a base price of US$30,000, he was eventually sold to Jaffna for US$56,000.
Dhananjaya de Silva: A Valuable Asset
Dhananjaya de Silva, known for his ability to finish off an innings and bowl off-spin, started at a base price of US$40,000. He was eventually bought by Dambulla for US$76,000, testifying to his value as a white ball cricketer.
Looking Forward: Big-Name Foreign Players Up for Grabs
The auction is set to become even more intriguing when the big-name foreign players come into play. Despite a couple of seasons of the Lanka Premier League, this is the first time an auction has been conducted, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the event.
Among the attendees was former Pakistan great, Wasim Akram, who was bidding on behalf of the Kandy franchise, signaling a new era for the team under new ownership.
In conclusion, the inaugural Lanka Premier League auction marked a significant day in Sri Lanka’s cricket history. From young talents like Shevon Daniel and Binura Fernando to established players like Dinesh Chandimal and Dushmantha Chameera, the auction was a testament to the wealth of talent in Sri Lankan cricket. As we look forward to the upcoming season, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, promising a thrilling cricketing spectacle in the days ahead.
