IPL 2023 mini-auction: Five overseas players who might earn their maiden contract

Harry Brook might earn big bucks in the mini-auction [Source: Twitter/JSKSA20]

With each passing day, we are inching towards the much-awaited IPL 2023 mini-auction. A total of 405 players will go under the hammer, which is why we expect cut-throat competition between the ten franchises, who will spend a billion bucks to fill the voids in their respective squads. 

So, ahead of the fascinating event, let's analyse and list five overseas players who might get their first IPL contract. 

5. Joe Root

The English superstar is a household name and has entered the IPL auction for the second time in his career. Although he doesn't play T20Is, the former England captain possesses healthy numbers in the shortest format, having amassed 2083 runs at an average of 32.54. 

He was fabulous in the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, finishing as the tournament's third-best batter with 249 runs at a blistering strike rate of 146.47. 

Being someone who can play spin magnificently and guide the team with his leadership skills, Root could be a smart buy in the mini-auction. 

4. Sikandar Raza

The Zimbabwean all-rounder has been in a scintillating touch in international cricket this year. His exploits in the T20 World Cup qualifiers earned Zimbabwe a spot in the showpiece event Down Under. 

Furthermore, he emerged as Zimbabwe's most valuable player in the World Cup, garnering 219 runs and bagging ten wickets at a superb economy of 6.50. 

Although he is on the wrong side of 30s, the franchises might consider securing his services, considering his recent form and base price of only 50 Lakhs. 

3. Izharulhaq Naveed

Izharulhaq Naveed in action [Source: Twitter]

Just like his predecessors Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Izharulhaq Naveed has impressed one and all with his guile and accuracy. 

The young leg spinner has been impressive from his T20 debut, scalping 16 wickets at a surreal economy of 6.43 in 12 outings. 

Furthermore, he has starred with the ball in the Big Bash League, emerging as Sydney Sixers' trump card with four wickets at an economy of 5.87. 

He has a base price of only 20 lakhs, and considering the demand for Afghan spinners in the IPL; we reckon he might edge past his competitors to earn his maiden contract in the mini-auction. 

2. Harry Brook

The stylish English batter has enjoyed stellar success right from his debut, amassing 741 runs across formats in 2022. He has proved his mettle in the subcontinent, hammering truckloads of runs against Pakistan in their backyard. 

More importantly, his 360-degree stroke play and flexibility to bat anywhere in the lineup make him unique. So, it shouldn't surprise anyone if he gets picked by any team in the IPL mini-auction. 

1. Cameron Green

The swashbuckling Australian all-rounder grabbed a million eyeballs during the T20I series against India. 

David Warner's absence proved to be a boon for Green, who, opening alongside Aaron Finch, hammered 118 runs at an average of 39.33 and a superb strike rate of 214.55. 

Being someone who can strike the ball cleanly and chip in with a few overs, Green will definitely attract a few franchises and earn his maiden IPL contract. 

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