IPL 2019: Over 50 South African cricketers registered for player auction

Almost five dozen South Africans will be among the players slugging it out for a place in next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

The player auction for the 2019 event takes place later this month, and 1003 cricketers have put their names in the hat, with around 230 hailing from outside India.

South Africa leads the way in terms of players registered, with no less than 59 hailing from these shores, including Proteas speedster Dale Steyn, who is perhaps the most high-profile player in the running.

Injury problems saw the 35-year-old go unsold in the previous auction, but he has since made a remarkable comeback, working his way back into the limited overs setup in national colours, and has been registered at a base price of almost R3 million.

There are on 70 spots available across the eight franchises that will compete in IPL 2019, and Australia is second behind South Africa in terms of hopefuls with 35 players registered.

This includes international, Dan Christian, who was released by the Delhi Daredevils, now known as the Dehli Capitals after rebranding earlier this week.

The all-rounder is currently in South Africa, where he plies his trade with the Joburg-based Jozi Stars in the Mzansi Super League T20.

The West Indies and Sri Lanka have 33 and 28 registered players, with minnows, Afghanistan sporting a decent number with 27.

However, not every high-level player has put his name in the hat for the extravaganza, as several big names have instead opted out.

With the 2019 Cricket World Cup looming, Australia’s limited overs captain Aaron Finch has chosen to sit out next year’s IPL, alongside all-rounder Glen Maxwell.

The IPL player auction takes place on 18 December, and teams have been given up to eight days prior to submit their shortlists.