Pathan Brothers Among Most Wanted at IPL Auction

By Parvez Fatteh, Founder of http://sportingummah.com, sports@muslimobserver.com

File photo:  The Pathan brothers.

There will be strong Muslim representation in the Indian Premier League for its upcoming fourth season, as it held its fourth IPL Auction of cricket players this past week. Powerful batsman Yusuf Pathan was chosen by Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders for $2.1 million, the second highest price paid in the auction. Younger brother, Irfan also had a lofty price tag, as the Delhi Daredevils chose him for $1.9 million. Fellow Indian Zaheer Khan was the next most expensive Muslim, going for $900,000 to the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Bangladeshi captain Shakib Al-Hasan was a $425,000 selection of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Sunday’s bidding saw British-Indian Owais Shah go to Kochi for $200,000, and Indian Mohammad Kaif go to the Royal Challengers Bangalore for $130,000. Also, Gujarati fast-bowler Manaf Patel was purchased by the Mumbai Indians on Sunday for the lofty sum of $700,000. The IPL’s 4th season will begin on April 8th and continue until May 20th.

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