On this day in 2017: Ben Stokes becomes IPL’s highest overseas signing

Exactly on this day in 2017, England superstar Ben Stokes went under the hammer in an IPL auction for the first time and created history in a matter of a few minutes. The all-rounder became the most expensive foreign player in IPL history when he was bagged by now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant for a whopping figure of Rs.14.5 crore.

The deal came after a good tour of India just days before the auction and helping England make it to the final of the 2016 T20 World Cup in India. Stokes had registered himself at a base price of Rs 2 crore. As expected, he caused a bidding war with the likes of Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore showing high interest in him.

Apart from Mumbai and Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Sunrisers Hyderabad had shown interest in Stokes too. But Pune were determined to get their man and eventually secured his services by spending Rs 14.5 crore from their available purse of only Rs. 17.5 crore. The gamble to buy Stokes at such a huge price paid off as the all-rounder made a huge mark with both bat and ball.

Welcome to Pune @benstokes38 first round is on you!

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) February 20, 2017

After the end of the tournament, he was adjudged the most valuable player of the season thanks to his all-round displays. With the ball, he took 12 wickets in 12 matches with an average of 26.33. With the bat, he scored 316 runs in 12 games that included a stunning century against Gujarat Lions as he led his team to a win single-handedly in that match.

Riding on his performance, Rising Pune Supergiant had made it to the final where they lost to Mumbai Indians by 1 run. The England star had not played the final because of his national team commitments. Stokes came into the auction in IPL 2018 too after Rising Pune Supergiant were dissolved following the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. And as expected, he bagged yet another lucrative contract.

Rajasthan Royals broke the bank to sign him for Rs 12.5 crore. Stokes has been playing for the Royals since then. His record of being the most expensive overseas player was broken by Pat Cummins in IPL 2020 auction when he was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 15.5 crore. And on Thursday (February 18), Chris Morris broke Cummins’ record after getting a deal worth Rs 16.25 crore from Rajasthan Royals.