The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has been hailed by organisers and players as a “massive success”.
The players have used the platform to make their presence felt, not only at the regional level, but also at the international stage. However, at least one player has had his presence felt on the international platform.
Guyana’s Amazon Warriors and Jamaican medium fast bowler Krishmar Santokie is the only first-timer on a list of eight West Indians to be part of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament.
Santokie was selected by defending champions Mumbai Indians on the second auction day of two, last Thursday, for US$50,000.
Widely regarded as one of the best Twenty20 bowlers in the region, given his ability to swing the ball and vary his pace, Santokie entered the IPL auction on the back of an outstanding season last year in the inaugural Limacol CPL.
He guided Guyana Amazon Warriors to the final against Jamaica Tallawahs, before going on to cop the Most Valuable Player award, after finishing with a tournament-high 16 wickets from nine games.
The other West Indians drafted during the auction were seam bowlers Ravi Rampaul ($150,000 – Royal Challengers Bangalore), Jason Holder (Sun Risers Hyderbad – US$125,000) and Kevon Cooper (Rajasthan Royals – US$50,000); all-rounders Darren Sammy (US$583,000 – Sun Risers Hyderbad) and André Russell (US$100,000 – Kolkata Knight Riders); leg-spinner Samuel Badree (Chennai Super Kings – US$50,000); and batsman Dwayne Smith (Chennai Super Kings – US$750,000).
