Fellow England player Owais Shah was also anapped up for $275,000 and will join Paul Collingwood at Delhi Daredevils. Collingwood sold for above his reserve price of $250,000, while Shah had a reserve price of $150,000.
England stars Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff became the highest-priced players in the Indian Premier League today. Pietersen, who had a reserve price of US$ 1.35million, was eventually sold to Bangalore Royal Challengers for US$ 1.55m, while Flintoff was snapped up the Chennai Super Kings for the same price.
Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara attracted “fierce bidding” and was finally sold to Kings XI Punjab for US$ 450,000 but there were no bidders for Sussex batsman Luke Wright and all-rounder Samit Patel and they remain unsold.
The players will travel to India after England’s tour for the West Indies in time for the start of the tournament on 10 April. They will return to the England set up in time for the first npower Test Match against the West Indies at Lord’s (6-10 May).
Durham CCC Chief Executive, David Harker, said: “I’m sure the IPL will be an exciting experience for Paul, he is an excellent asset to any team and has always been a wonderful ambassador for our Club and the North East. We wish him the best of luck with the Delhi Daredevils.”
England travel to Riverside for the second npower Test Match against the West Indies which starts on 14 May. Tickets for this match are still available priced from £35 for adults and £10 for juniors. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Box Office on 0844 499 4466.