The Legends League Cricket (LLC) 2024 auction, held on August 29, 2024, in New Delhi, was a spectacle of cricketing nostalgia, bringing together some of the game’s legends for another shot at glory. This year’s auction was particularly notable for the presence of big names like Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik, alongside other cricketing stalwarts. Here’s a detailed look at who made it to the teams in this thrilling event.
The auction commenced with a bang, with Elton Chigumbura being sold to Southern for Rs 25 lakhs, setting the tone for competitive bidding. Samiullah Shinwari, known for his aggressive batting, was picked up by Hyderabad for Rs 18.585 lakhs, indicating teams’ interest in power hitters. However, the real highlight was Dwayne Smith, whose explosive batting fetched him a deal with Capitals for Rs 47.36 lakhs, showcasing his enduring appeal in the cricketing world.
- Elton Chigumbura – Southern (Rs 25 lakhs)
- Samiullah Shinwari – Hyderabad (Rs 18.585 lakhs)
- Dwayne Smith – Capitals (Rs 47.36 lakhs)
- Kevin O’ Brien – Odisha (Rs 29.17 lakhs)
- Ross Taylor – Odisha (Rs 50.34 lakhs)
- Sheldon Cottrell – Manipal (Rs 33.56 lakhs)
- Liam Plunkett – Gujarat (Rs 41.56 lakhs)
- Colin de Grandhomme – Capitals (32.36 lakhs)
- Morne van Wyk – Gujarat (Rs 29.29 lakhs)
- Dan Christian – Manipal (Rs 56.95 lakhs)
- Hamilton Masakadza – Southern (Rs 23.28 lakhs)
- Lendl Simmons – Gujarat (Rs 37.5 lakhs)
- Asgar Afghan – Gujarat (Rs 33.17 lakhs)
- Jerome Taylor – Gujarat (Rs 36.17 lakhs)
- Vinay Kumar – Odisha (Rs 33 lakhs)
- Pawan Negi – Southern (Rs 40 lakhs)
- Jeevan Mendis – Southern (Rs 15.60 lakhs)
- Paras Khadka – Gujarat (Rs 12.58 lakhs)
- Seekkuge Prasanna – Gujarat (Rs 22.78 lakhs)
- George Worker – Hyderabad (Rs 15.5 lakhs)
- Kamau Leverock – Gujarat (Rs 11 lakhs)
- Richard Levi – Odisha (Rs 17 lakhs)
- Suranga Lakmal – Southern (Rs 34 lakhs)
- Naman Ojha – Capitals (Rs 40 lakhs)
Odisha made significant moves by securing Kevin O’Brien for Rs 29.17 lakhs, known for his aggressive style, and Ross Taylor, who was bought for Rs 50.34 lakhs, reflecting his stature as one of cricket’s most elegant batsmen. These acquisitions suggest Odisha’s strategy to bolster their batting lineup with experienced international players.
The auction wasn’t just about the big names; it also highlighted the value teams placed on all-rounders and utility players. The presence of such diverse talents underscores the LLC’s commitment to providing a platform where skill, experience, and entertainment value are equally celebrated.
Interestingly, while the auction saw many players sold, there were notable absences and unsold players. Legends like Hashim Amla, Martin Guptill, and even the recently retired Shikhar Dhawan did not find buyers, which might surprise fans but also reflects the strategic decisions teams make based on team composition and budget constraints.
The LLC 2024 auction, therefore, was not just an event but a narrative of cricket’s evolving landscape, where legends are given a chance to relive their glory days, and teams are built not just for wins but for the spectacle of cricket. This auction has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season of cricket, blending experience with entertainment.
