Former West Indian captain Vivian Richards toasts IPL, backs Andrew Symonds’ valuation by Hyderabad
West Indian cricket legend Vivian Richards has justified the top dollars pouring into IPL. The BCCI had auctioned right IPL teams for a mind-boggling $718 million.
Mumbai team was the top grosser with Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, the country’s top private firm, pumping in a record $111.9 to win team ownership. Bangalore team went to Vijay Mallya’s UB Group for $106 million. Apart from this, the team owners spent more than $36 million to buy 75 international stars.
Vivian Richards, who is associated with Sir Allen Stanford, the promoter of Twenty20 in the Carribean, said such competitions make players financially secure. Vivian Richards also said Aussie player Andrew Symonds’ (Hyderabad team) massive valuation of $1.35 million (Rs 5.5 crore) was fair enough.
Hyderabad captain VVS Laxman has also backed Andrew Symonds, describing the Aussie as a big asset to the team and a match winner.