Zaheer Khan, the Mumbai Indians (MI) Director of Cricket Operations, said that it would be a delight watching Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah bowl in tandem. On Sunday, February 13, the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions brought Jofra Archer for INR 8 crores during the second day of the mega auction in Bengaluru.
Archer had registered at a base price of INR 2 crores after the 10 franchises requested for a few players to be added to the final shortlist. Mumbai and the Rajasthan Royals, Archer’s former IPL team, began the bidding after which the Sunrisers Hyderabad threw their hat in the ring. But it was MI, who secured Archer’s services.
Zaheer Khan opines after MI bought Jofra Archer in IPL auction
“You are eagerly waiting for the partnership to go on the field and so am I. To see two legendary fast bowlers bowling in tandem and I’m glad that it seems possible and will be worth the wait,” Khan was quoted as saying.
The Barbados-born Archer was a part of the accelerated bidding process which took place from player number 161. Archer hasn’t played any international cricket over the last few months and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is planning for his return in June.
Earlier, in an email, Hemang Amin, the IPL chief operating officer, said that Archer is “unlikely” to take part in the 2022 edition of the IPL. Moreover, if the fast bowler doesn’t show up, the team won’t be allowed to find a replacement.
“The ECB has registered Jofra Archer for the auction with a view to potential participation in 2023 and 2024, as due to his current injury it is unlikely that he can participate in IPL 2022,” Amin was quoted as saying.
Archer forayed into the IPL after his stupendous shows for Sussex in England’s domestic cricket and Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL). Thereafter in 2018, the Royals secured his services and he played three seasons for them.
In 35 IPL matches, Archer has picked up 46 wickets at an economy rate of 7.13. He also got the award for the Most Valuable Player in IPL 2020 when the Royals failed to qualify for the playoffs. Archer hasn’t played any form of international cricket since March 2021.
