IPL Mega Auction: Irfan Pathan justifies Punjab Kings splurging INR 11.50 crore on Livingstone

Mumbai: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has justified Punjab Kings splurging INR 11.50 crore on buying England’s power-hitting all-rounder Liam Livingstone on Day 2 of the Indian Premier League Mega Auction in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Punjab’s decision to break the bank for Livingstone might have surprised many as the England player became the costliest foreigner in this year’s IPL auction. But Pathan said his services should be valued based on the skillset that Livingstone brings to the table.

“I think he deserves it. A lot of people might not agree with that, but I predicted that nearly two months ago because of the kind of skill set he has got. He’s a batter, he’s got fast hands, amazing wrists, and at one point of time, I think a couple of seasons back — he was the No. 2 six-hitter in the world, especially when it comes to T20 cricket,” Pathan said during Star Sports’ special show on IPL auctions — Cricket Live-IPL Auction Special on Sunday.

“Most importantly, he (Livingstone) can actually bowl leg-spin if a right-hand batter comes and he can bowl off-spin when a left-hand batter comes. If you’re smart and can manage him, he will be very good. So, a perfect buy,” Pathan said.

Punjab Kings bagged Livingstone In the first round of Sunday’s auction proceedings after some fierce bidding wars with Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans.

Livingstone represented Rajasthan Royals in the previous season of IPL and has now become the highest-paid overseas player in the ongoing auction.

He had a great 2021 during which he was the ‘Player of the Tournament’ while playing for Birmingham Phoenix in the inaugural edition of The Hundred.

–IANS