New Delhi: Ex-Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar made a big statement over star batter Babar Azam's participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Akhtar believes Babar, the current number one ODI and T20 International batter in the ICC rankings, would go for 15-20 crores in the IPL auction.
Shoaib Akhtar is currently associated with Sportskeeda as an expert for reviewing IPL matches with former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. Akhtar also expressed what a great moment it would be to see Babar Azam play alongside Virat Kohli in the IPL.
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A total of 11 Pakistan players played the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the year 2008. Ever since then, all prominent cricketing nations, except Pakistan, have been allowed to participate in the tournament.
“It would be great to see Babar Azam and Virat Kohli opening the innings together in the IPL one day. What an exciting moment that would be. In the auction, Babar would go for 15-20 crore INR and could be the most expensive Pakistan player,” Akhtar was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Among Pakistani players, Shahid Afridi was the most expensive player in IPL 2008. The all-rounder was bought by Deccan Chargers for INR 2.71 crore. In the same auction, Shoaib Akhtar was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs INR 1.7 crore.
Talking about Babar Azam’s T20I career, he has scored 2620 runs with a remarkable average of 45.17 in 73 matches. The star batter has scored 25 fifties and one hundred as well.