What is Babar Azam's current market value in the IPL?

[Rana]

I understand that we can only truly know when Babar or any other Pakistani player is actually given the permission to participate. But it would be great to hear the views of what PPs T20 market experts value the player's quality at.

Some will argue that the standards in the IPL are so high that it has ignored world class players like Smith and Root in the past, however the world's number one T20 batsman certainly can pull his weight and that too against the best of them on his day.

1. Babar Azam today has displayed the skill of a truly world class batsman against 2 of the world's best fast bowlers. Taking Steyn to the cleaners for three overs is no joke on a South African track. Babar being from the sub continent would love to play on tracks that are generally tailor made for batsmen especially for those batsman that enjoy pace on the ball with no real bounce. Babar CAN play against all types of bowlers on such pitches.

2. Is Babar Azam a marketable individual? I would say no, not really. The guy is too humble, shy to behave like a superstar and probably lacks the education to act smartly on social media further increasing the brand image that he represents. However, a good marketing manager can do him wonders and he does have the element of being the Pakistani rival to the King himself, Virat Kohli.

3. Would Babar Azam be instrumental in setting up huge totals or chasing huge totals?
Very difficult to say really. Yes, as he has been brilliant for Pakistan in the UAE even though he has been the one doing the bulk of the scoring. Batsmen around him can do the heavy work as long as he is there to support them at a decent strike rate of 120-130. Can he match Kohli's ability to own the game? No, but who can? He should not be written off for not matching Kohli pound for pound, as Virat sets extremely high standards.

4. What does Babar offer to the IPL brand?
To simply put it, in Babar Azam, the IPL is offered the best Asian batsman in the world right after Virat Kohli. You can argue as much as you like with the Likes of KL Rahul or Rohit Sharma being the second best. But even then Babar is in the top 4 or 5 in all of Asia when it comes to T20 batting and that is saying a lot.

My Estimation: Considering he is not Indian, he will not break the Rs 15 crore mark. In all honesty, the guy should be worth in the region of RS 7-10 crore with his quality.

 

[MenInG]

so assume it was INR 10.0 - would it make Babar Azam a lesser batsman? How many good players were unsold in this IPL auction.

 

[Rana]

so assume it was INR 10.0 - would it make Babar Azam a lesser batsman? How many good players were unsold in this IPL auction.

He is never the lesser batsman but its just the way the market works. For example, in the English Premier league the talented English players are valued more than better players in their position and age from across Europe and South America

 

[MenInG]

He is never the lesser batsman but its just the way the market works. For example, in the English Premier league the talented English players are valued more than better players in their position and age from across Europe and South America

My point is that you cannot judge the quality of a batsman on how much the market values him.

 

[Bhaijaan]

I think he would be a top draw in IPL and wouldn't be far from the highest paid foreign cricketer. Firstly he's a great young talent already that alone makes him eligible for a big contract, secondly IPL is in India where Pakistani batsmen traditionally are at their best so there are good reasons to believe Babar be an instant hit here.

 

[Rana]

My point is that you cannot judge the quality of a batsman on how much the market values him.

I am not denying that. I clearly mentioned that in the very start of my point when I mentioned how Root and Smith are slowly losing their value in the IPL, even though they are two of the best batsmen in the world. Its a very harsh market but the investors are very clever when it comes dishing out their money on guys who can do the job for them

 

[Banter]

OP's logic is quite flawed and betrays a basic lack of understanding of how the IPL market is structured for foreign players.

The top money makers in the IPL - talking about non-Indians only here - are of 3 primary types - gun bowlers, high-end power hitters, and successful allrounders. 'Class' batsmen who can bat well aren't exactly a commodity that is highly valued among foreign players, simply because its a role that can be filled by Indian players. And teams might even pay MORE for an Indian batsman who maybe 80% or 90% as good as Babar, so that they can save the foreign player slot for a Jofra Archer, Kagiso Rabada, Chris Lynn, or Rashid Khan.

This is why Bangladeshi players like Tamim Iqbal also struggle to get IPL contracts. Its not that they aren't good players, its just a simple outcome based on supply and demand.

This is not to say Babar won't get picked up if available, he probably would. But not at the high end.

But all of this is hypothetical anyway, Pak government needs to make some required changes in their policy to allow for Pakistani cricketers and the Pak cricket board to start making money from India.

 

[spiderreddy]

On par with joe root

 

[Rana]

OP's logic is quite flawed and betrays a basic lack of understanding of how the IPL market is structured for foreign players.

The top money makers in the IPL - talking about non-Indians only here - are of 3 primary types - gun bowlers, high-end power hitters, and successful allrounders. 'Class' batsmen who can bat well aren't exactly a commodity that is highly valued among foreign players, simply because its a role that can be filled by Indian players. And teams might even pay MORE for an Indian batsman who maybe 80% or 90% as good as Babar, so that they can save the foreign player slot for a Jofra Archer, Kagiso Rabada, Chris Lynn, or Rashid Khan.

This is why Bangladeshi players like Tamim Iqbal also struggle to get IPL contracts. Its not that they aren't good players, its just a simple outcome based on supply and demand.

This is not to say Babar won't get picked up if available, he probably would. But not at the high end.

But all of this is hypothetical anyway, Pak government needs to make some required changes in their policy to allow for Pakistani cricketers and the Pak cricket board to start making money from India.

Your argument makes sense but why spend big dollars on a hit and miss like Chris Lynn or spend a little bit more on a reliable, potential leading run scorer like Babar, who will most certainly be in the leading runs list by the end of the tournament.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Your argument makes sense but why spend big dollars on a hit and miss like Chris Lynn or spend a little bit more on a reliable, potential leading run scorer like Babar, who will most certainly be in the leading runs list by the end of the tournament.

Because his SR is 124. There are Indian domestic players who can be 90% of him and they will not take a foreign slot as well.

 

[Banter]

Your argument makes sense but why spend big dollars on a hit and miss like Chris Lynn or spend a little bit more on a reliable, potential leading run scorer like Babar, who will most certainly be in the leading runs list by the end of the tournament.

Because its all about buying role players to make the strongest possible XI. Think about supply vs demand and you'll get my point. Where does Babar bat for Pakistan in T20? he opens doesn't he? If an IPL team can get a Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, not to mention even the Sanju Samsons and Rishabh Pants of the world to do it, why would they want to burn a valuable overseas player slot on a 'reliable' top order batsman? Even Joe Root found it tough to get bidders, so did Hashim Amla. Not because IPL teams are stupid and don't recognize their class. But its about building a strong XI and squad over all. Kane Williamson is an anomaly, but he made very low-end bucks initially, and is really in the team for the dual role of his captaincy as well as batting.

 

[Shandarchowka]

Probably a couple of million dollars but I’m happy he’s not part of such inferior league. Let him play test cricket which he’s so good at.

 

[Banter]

Because his SR is 124. There are Indian domestic players who can be 90% of him and they will not take a foreign slot as well.

exactly. Babar is the best Pakistani batsmen clearly, but to be blunt, if you put him in a crowd with Shreyas Iyer, Karun Nair, Sanju Samson, he really wouldn't stand out that much.

 

[Darkrai]

He is the number 1 ranked T20I player in the world, He would do very well in IPL. Players who struggle in T20Is completely dominate IPL.

 

[Banter]

Probably a couple of million dollars but I’m happy he’s not part of such inferior league. Let him play test cricket which he’s so good at.

What's his test average again?


Even Hardik Pandya played such a counter-attacking innings at #6 in South Africa with the top order dismissed. Babar has a long way to go before he can be considered to be "so good" at test cricket.

 

[Banter]

He is the number 1 ranked T20I player in the world, He would do very well in IPL. Players who struggle in T20Is completely dominate IPL.

Those rankings don't differentiate much between runs scored against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Let's see how he goes in T20s played in SA.

 

[Darkrai]

Those rankings don't differentiate much between runs scored against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Let's see how he goes in T20s played in SA.

FYI he didn't play against ZIM. But he did play against NZ and AUS-but i guess they don't matter when it comes to Pakistani players. Number 1 consistently in T20Is, Ranking do take the quality of opposition into account.

 

[Rana]

He is the number 1 ranked T20I player in the world, He would do very well in IPL. Players who struggle in T20Is completely dominate IPL.

This is my point. I dont understand why people are bringing in the struggles of Root, Williamson, Amla into this debate and claiming 90% of Indian batsman can do what Babar can do anyways. Thats untrue. 90% of Indian batsman wont necessarily try to match Kohli or give the franchise a chance to model a team the way RCB would using Virat as their main anchor.

 

[Banter]

FYI he didn't play against ZIM. But he did play against NZ and AUS-but i guess they don't matter when it comes to Pakistani players. Number 1 consistently in T20Is, Ranking do take the quality of opposition into account.

who would you rather have out of Virat, ABDV, and Babar if you had to pick one? An honest answer would tell you all that you need to know about Babar's T20 ranking.

 

[Banter]

This is my point. I dont understand why people are bringing in the struggles of Root, Williamson, Amla into this debate and claiming 90% of Indian batsman can do what Babar can do anyways. Thats untrue. 90% of Indian batsman wont necessarily try to match Kohli or give the franchise a chance to model a team the way RCB would using Virat as their main anchor.

As the other poster already pointed out, what's Babar SR in t20? Is he a power hitter?

The answer to those questions tells you why he is being compared to Root and Amla, and not Rohit or Virat. There's a reason why Jos Buttler is a more valuable player in T20 than Joe Root, even if he doesn't keep wickets. You seem intent on missing the obvious.

 

[Rana]

who would you rather have out of Virat, ABDV, and Babar if you had to pick one? An honest answer would tell you all that you need to know about Babar's T20 ranking.

Babar is a few years behind Virat in terms of experience and maturity. ABDV is a freak. For Babar to still be number one in such circumstances is brilliant and nothing should be taken away from him.

 

[Banter]

Babar is a few years behind Virat in terms of experience and maturity. ABDV is a freak. For Babar to still be number one in such circumstances is brilliant and nothing should be taken away from him.

I don't mean to bash Babar - he's the most promising batsman I have seen come from Pakistan in a few YEARS. But that doesn't automatically make the next big thing. Especially in T20s, he isn't really that valuable IMO. For Pakistan's sake, I hope he keeps developing his test and ODI game. Pakistan needs that more from him than to become a more valued T20 batsman.

 

[Rana]

As the other poster already pointed out, what's Babar SR in t20? Is he a power hitter?

The answer to those questions tells you why he is being compared to Root and Amla, and not Rohit or Virat. There's a reason why Jos Buttler is a more valuable player in T20 than Joe Root, even if he doesn't keep wickets. You seem intent on missing the obvious.

Your argument overall seems flawed. what you are basically saying is that IPL has no market value for players like Babar, Root, Williamson and Amla but its best player and its biggest draw is a player who plays similar to them (Virat Kohli). How does that make any sense? Just because Root went unsold once and struggles to find a contract does not mean that Babar needs to be judged through the same lens.

 

[Banter]

Your argument overall seems flawed. what you are basically saying is that IPL has no market value for players like Babar, Root, Williamson and Amla but its best player and its biggest draw is a player who plays similar to them (Virat Kohli). How does that make any sense? Just because Root went unsold once and struggles to find a contract does not mean that Babar needs to be judged through the same lens.

I didn't say there would be "no market value" - I said it wouldn't be on the high side. Of course auctions tend to be unpredictable and often faltoo players bids get pushed up super high if more than one team really wants a player. But based on Babar's game, his market value would be in the mid-range.

Anyway, its just information for you, if you choose to ignore it, its up to you. Keep thinking that Babar is the greatest T20 thing since sliced bread. I can't be bothered anymore.

 

[Rana]

I didn't say there would be "no market value" - I said it wouldn't be on the high side. Of course auctions tend to be unpredictable and often faltoo players bids get pushed up super high if more than one team really wants a player. But based on Babar's game, his market value would be in the mid-range.

Anyway, its just information for you, if you choose to ignore it, its up to you. Keep thinking that Babar is the greatest T20 thing since sliced bread. I can't be bothered anymore.

Lol who said hes the greatest? Everyone knows Virat Kohli and ABDV are currently well before him in any auction. Sharma also.

 

[Darkrai]

who would you rather have out of Virat, ABDV, and Babar if you had to pick one? An honest answer would tell you all that you need to know about Babar's T20 ranking.

ADB averages 26 with a SR of 135. Similiars stats for Warner, but they dominate IPL. Babar SR isn't always high because he bats according to the situation. He doesn't go ballistic when it's not required which is why he is able to win matches even when his SR may not seem very high.

 

[Savak]

IPL franchise owners are paying $2 million to Unadkat. I have no faith in their ability to pay a fair wage to a player with respect to his ability

 

[Darkrai]

Didn't they also pay USD 5,000,000 for Tymal Mills of all players. Or am i wrong?

 

[Rana]

IPL franchise owners are paying $2 million to Unadkat. I have no faith in their ability to pay a fair wage to a player with respect to his ability

Think of it as your franchise, what would you pay Babar?

 

[Rana]

Didn't they also pay USD 5,000,000 for Tymal Mills of all players. Or am i wrong?

Around £1M

Mills is hardly a domestic player in England these days

 

[cricketjoshila]

IPL franchise owners are paying $2 million to Unadkat. I have no faith in their ability to pay a fair wage to a player with respect to his ability

Unadkat is a Indian. That has a big premium attached to it.

 

[Darkrai]

Around £1M

Mills is hardly a domestic player in England these days

Oh. ok.

 

[Banter]

IPL franchise owners are paying $2 million to Unadkat. I have no faith in their ability to pay a fair wage to a player with respect to his ability

Again, a perfect example of supply and demand. Indian bowlers who can bowl in the power-play and death overs, especially left-arm pace, are a scarce commodity. Same reason why Tymall Mills got a lot of money too. Its all about supply and demand when it comes to market value. That's why teams sometimes end up taking expensive gambles on 'mystery' spinners also. Steady Eddy batsmen are a dime a dozen in India. Just because reliable batsmen are hard to find in Pakistan doesn't automatically elevate Babar's market value that high.

 

[Bilal7]

He is not for sale.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I am not surprised that PPers think that pakistani players will be million dollar worth in IPL. The PCB thought the same in 2009 and tried to arm twist the Bcci. The result is for all to see.

Pakistani players are not in much demand in the ipl. Unless ofcourse Pakistan suddenly produces a ATG level player like IK or Wasim or even a Akhtar.

 

[Rana]

Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rehman getting $1-2M each, and according to some posters Babar will not get big money

 

[Banter]

Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rehman getting $1-2M each, and according to some posters Babar will not get big money

Yes. Same reason why Mustafiz from bangla gets IPL cash, but Tamim and Mushfique don't. Foreign batsmen aren't attractive for IPL teams, not unless they can be counted on to smash the ball over the boundary. Jos Buttler has value, Joe Root doesn't.

 

[jagatk]

Your argument overall seems flawed. what you are basically saying is that IPL has no market value for players like Babar, Root, Williamson and Amla but its best player and its biggest draw is a player who plays similar to them (Virat Kohli). How does that make any sense? Just because Root went unsold once and struggles to find a contract does not mean that Babar needs to be judged through the same lens.

Virat Kohli is a draw because of who he is not just what style cricketer he is. Kohli is a brand that franchises can make money off on and off pitch, people will pay to watch kohli and businesses will pay to have virat representing their products that adds 5-10 crore to his valuation, No one in India or anywhere else outside Pakistan would give 2 hoots about babar, slow and steady at 120 isn't great when you are competing for 4 spots, 2 of whom will be most likely bowlers.

Babar will basically be a low price steady guy who is brought in midway if things aren't working for some of your big hitters. At most will go for 2-3 crores.

 

[Rana]

I am not surprised that PPers think that pakistani players will be million dollar worth in IPL. The PCB thought the same in 2009 and tried to arm twist the Bcci. The result is for all to see.

Pakistani players are not in much demand in the ipl. Unless ofcourse Pakistan suddenly produces a ATG level player like IK or Wasim or even a Akhtar.

Pakistani players are not in demand but random Australian, Afghanistan and West Indian domestic players are? Answer the question simply by putting your market value on him. Its not a discussion about whether Pakistani players can contest in IPL or not.

 

[Banter]

He is not for sale.

Not by choice!

 

[Rana]

Virat Kohli is a draw because of who he is not just what style cricketer he is. Kohli is a brand that franchises can make money off on and off pitch, people will pay to watch kohli and businesses will pay to have virat representing their products that adds 5-10 crore to his valuation, No one in India or anywhere else outside Pakistan would give 2 hoots about babar, slow and steady at 120 isn't great when you are competing for 4 spots, 2 of whom will be most likely bowlers.

Babar will basically be a low price steady guy who is brought in midway if things aren't working for some of your big hitters. At most will go for 2-3 crores.

Fair.

 

[Banter]

Pakistani players are not in demand but random Australian, Afghanistan and West Indian domestic players are? Answer the question simply by putting your market value on him. Its not a discussion about whether Pakistani players can contest in IPL or not.

350k

 

[Rana]

350k

Im sure Babar will count his stars if he makes that much money for 6 weeks work, but im pretty sure 350k would easily be outbidded. Good starting bid though

 

[jagatk]

Pakistani players are not in demand but random Australian, Afghanistan and West Indian domestic players are? Answer the question simply by putting your market value on him. Its not a discussion about whether Pakistani players can contest in IPL or not.

Random Aussies get picked because of the coaches who are at times Australian and bbl is easy to scout, same with WI with the t20 they play. Afghans are a 1 year punt, you get lucky you find a Rashid Khan, if not you are released after ipl and back to obscurity you go.

 

[Bilal7]

Not by choice!

No, I'd like to think that the blatant and disgusting discrimination exhibited by the administration of this joke of a competition will ensure that no Pakistani player will ever make himself available for the IPL in the future.

Besides, the PSL is good enough as a money-making venture.

 

[jagatk]

Im sure Babar will count his stars if he makes that much money for 6 weeks work, but im pretty sure 350k would easily be outbidded. Good starting bid though

That would be the median price tbf, 2-3 crore will be round about 350k USD.

 

[Bilal7]

Pakistani players are not in demand but random Australian, Afghanistan and West Indian domestic players are? Answer the question simply by putting your market value on him. Its not a discussion about whether Pakistani players can contest in IPL or not.

Why do you care so much? Do you get a cut from Babar's earnings?

 

[Savak]

Unadkat is a Indian. That has a big premium attached to it.

In a pure free market economy, players would be paid according to their skills, abilities, quality and traffic generation abilities, not on the basis of nationality.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Pakistani players are not in demand but random Australian, Afghanistan and West Indian domestic players are? Answer the question simply by putting your market value on him. Its not a discussion about whether Pakistani players can contest in IPL or not.

Hasan Ali or Shaheen Afridi are more valuable in IPL than Babar Azam.

 

[Savak]

Think of it as your franchise, what would you pay Babar?

Deserves the top price on offer i.e. $250,000-300,000

 

[Banter]

No, I'd like to think that the blatant and disgusting discrimination exhibited by the administration of this joke of a competition will ensure that no Pakistani player will ever make himself available for the IPL in the future.

Besides, the PSL is good enough as a money-making venture.

Sour grapes LMAO. Pakistani players could be making a few million dollars if they play a few years in the IPL. I'm positive that they would be lining up for such a payday if allowed to do so.

And if they want to make such money from Indian cricket fans they should talk to their government and get policies changed so that it becomes possible.

 

[cricketjoshila]

In a pure free market economy, players would be paid according to their skills, abilities, quality and traffic generation abilities, not on the basis of nationality.

The question is about IPL. Here being Indian matters. Babar Azam can find his true value in other leagues no doubt.

 

[cricketjoshila]

No, I'd like to think that the blatant and disgusting discrimination exhibited by the administration of this joke of a competition will ensure that no Pakistani player will ever make himself available for the IPL in the future.

Besides, the PSL is good enough as a money-making venture.

You know who Wasim Khan is in PCB?

 

[Rana]

That would be the median price tbf, 2-3 crore will be round about 350k USD.

Hmm, I recon its a good price but thinking from a neutral perspective and knowing Babar brings a flare of high quality strokes to the equation, Babar will double if not triple his value by the next year. Any franchise looking for a long term investment and a reliable one to say the least would steal Babar for 350k

 

[Banter]

Hasan Ali or Shaheen Afridi are more valuable in IPL than Babar Azam.

Even Shadab Khan - a decent leggie who can bat down the order. Although there are 4-5 decent Indian leggies already.

 

[Rana]

Hasan Ali or Shaheen Afridi are more valuable in IPL than Babar Azam.

Shaheen Afridi can be thought about. Hassan Ali will leak big runs on flat tracks

 

[Bilal7]

Sour grapes LMAO. Pakistani players could be making a few million dollars if they play a few years in the IPL. I'm positive that they would be lining up for such a payday if allowed to do so.

And if they want to make such money from Indian cricket fans they should talk to their government and get policies changed so that it becomes possible.

Sour grapes? I do not get a cut from what these players make, therefore I don't care how much they make, it is their cricket that interests me, not their finances.

Like I said, their disgusting discrimination is obvious and nonsensical and I hope no Pakistani player makes himself available for the IPL, even if political situations between the two countries get better.

 

[CricketDon]

He’s not a gun bowler. He’s not a big hitter. He’s not a crunch all rounder. He’s just a okay batsman with a few ground shots. An Indian player can fill that role. Would be cheaper and would only grow in value.

Babar azams value is on par or less than Joe roots.


Guys like Umar Akmal, Amir, Shadab, Fakhar, would go for a few bucks I can assure you.

 

[GrandMaster]

Babar would probably go unsold, just like Joe Root. The Franchisees look for batsmen with 5th and 6th gear whereas Babar/Root are gearless scooters.

 

[Hawkeye]

Tbh,

Our bowlers would probably go for far more $ than Babar.

Likely in millions of $.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Shaheen Afridi can be thought about. Hassan Ali will leak big runs on flat tracks

Even Fakhar Zaman will make more money.

 

[Rayyman]

He does not belong in the cesspool that is IPL.

 

[DRsohail]

Even Fakhar Zaman will make more money.

He can get what joe Root got? I think Babar can get that.

 

[Savage]

It probably doesn't mean much but I think he will get around 500K-600K $ in IPL.He'd most likely play for a team with stronger bowling line up.

 

[Savage]

Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rehman getting $1-2M each, and according to some posters Babar will not get big money

On current form,Rashid is best T20 player in the world.

 

[rhony]

It probably doesn't mean much but I think he will get around 500K-600K $ in IPL.He'd most likely play for a team with stronger bowling line up.

Sorry to blow your bubble on this. Let me dare say and be castigated for saying this. Babar will not be picked in IPL.Babar is in the Amla mould and Amla actually scored a couple of hundreds in IPL but still unpicked. There is no role for a foreign sheet anchor in IPL. They need all-rounders, gun spinners or skillful pacers or Australians in IPL. Babar is neither of those. If Pakistani players are part of the auction, I think Hasan Ali will get the highest bid at around 6 to 700k. Fakhar Zaman will probably get around 500k. No one else will be picked.

 

[gazza619]

Babar will not be picked in IPL

Okay whatever makes you happy.

 

[wasimjunior]

exactly. Babar is the best Pakistani batsmen clearly, but to be blunt, if you put him in a crowd with Shreyas Iyer, Karun Nair, Sanju Samson, he really wouldn't stand out that much.

He’s ranked number one in the world. Who is Sanjay Samson?

 

[rhony]

He’s ranked number one in the world. Who is Sanjay Samson?

He's an Indian in Indian premier league and doesn't have a quota

 

[rhony]

Okay whatever makes you happy.

Lol. That's weird. Doesn't make me happy or sad to speculate. I'm one of the IPL fan boys on this forum and have followed it very closely since it's inception. There is a method to madness in IPL picks and some of the picks are just hunches. However, there is no hunch with Babar. He's a solid bat and is massive for Pak team that relies on bowling to win T20s and hence needs a solid player at the top. Babar fulfills that role. However, IPL teams are batting heavy. Unless Babar is the captain of an IPL team, I don't think he has a role. Williamson is in the same mould but he's the captain and hence has a spot. Rahane is another who's a lot inferior to Babar but is an Indian. Foreign quotas are not usually spent on sheet anchors. At least the history says so in IPL.

 

[rhony]

He can get what joe Root got? I think Babar can get that.

Joe Root wasn't picked in IPL

 

[Banter]

He’s ranked number one in the world. Who is Sanjay Samson?

The next Rohit Sharma.

(Although I hope he does better in test cricket).


Jokes aside, he's a very talented young batsman who has that extra bit of time when batting - similar to Rohit, Inzi etc.

 

[rhony]

In a pure free market economy, players would be paid according to their skills, abilities, quality and traffic generation abilities, not on the basis of nationality.

This is not a pure free market economy. There are only 4 slots in every team. They are usually reserved for hitters, all-rounders or skillful bowlers. There are a bunch of Indian domestic players that can fill Babar's role

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Didn't they also pay USD 5,000,000 for Tymal Mills of all players. Or am i wrong?

He was sold for around 1 million USD.

There was big hype around him that year. The year after he was unsold because he did not perform.

 

[gazza619]

Joe Root wasn't picked in IPL

Root averages 36 and is not an automatic pick even in the England T20 team. Babar Azam averages 54 and is the first name on the Pakistan sheet (World no.1 in T20).

I very much doubt you have seen Babar’s T20 performances. Following someone on cricinfo is different to seeing live on TV or online.

 

[wasimjunior]

The next Rohit Sharma.

(Although I hope he does better in test cricket).


Jokes aside, he's a very talented young batsman who has that extra bit of time when batting - similar to Rohit, Inzi etc.

I know who he is. He’s a good but but to compare him to babar is disrespectful.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Babar Azam is not attractive for IPL teams. Guy has 1 gear. Not a big hitter. There are plenty of batters like him in India.

The fast bowlers of Pakistan and Fakhar Zaman will get much more then Babar.

 

[gazza619]

There are plenty of batters like him in India.
.

Such as?

 

[Rana]

Such as?

Exactly bro, Indian fans throw it here as if there are 10 Babars in India, when in reality Babar is better than all Indian batsmen besides Kohli (and Sharma in some aspects)

 

[Banter]

Such as?

Shreyas Iyer
Sanju Samson
Ambati Rayudu
Kedar Jadhav
Manish Pandey
Ishan Kishan
Rishabh Pant
Nitish Rana
Dinesh Karthik

and so on.


I'm not even including the current Indian team players, or the 2 young phenoms Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill