Barbados-born Archer nears England return after making squad for South Africa ODI series

Ben Stokes and Sam Curran are among England’s T20 World Cup winners who could go for the big bucks in Friday’s Indian Premier League auction.

The 10 franchises have varying amounts of money in Kochi, where there are some big names up for grabs.

Stokes withdrew from the IPL this year but England’s Test captain and Curran, the player of the tournament in their recent World Cup triumph, are two of 19 foreign players with the highest base prize of 2.0 crore – worth just over £200,000 .

Chris Morris sold for a record 16.25 million in February 2021 and it wouldn’t be a surprise if that figure were broken as ambitious franchises finalize their squads for the 2023 edition of the tournament.

A total of 87 slots must be filled, of which up to 30 are available for foreign players.

Stats Perform highlights what to look for at the latest auction for a competition won by debutants the Gujarat Titans this year.

Sunrisers have money to burn

Sunrisers Hyderabad swung the ax after a poor 2022 IPL season after finishing in eighth place.

They suffered eight losses and responded by sacking 12 players, including captain and most expensive player Kane Williamson.

Sunrisers have the most money to spend in the auction, with 42.25 crore burning a hole in their pockets. At the other end of the scale, the Kolkata Knight Riders only have 7.05 crore to play with.

Hyderabad could opt to re-sign Williamson in a less lucrative deal for the New Zealand skipper.

Curran to break the record?

England all-rounder Curran excelled at the T20 World Cup, winning 13 wickets – including a 3-12 against Pakistan in last month’s final.

With a wide range of variation and little giveaway, the Left Arm Stitcher is certainly in demand and could make a huge early Christmas present.

Stokes, Williamson, Cameron Green, Rilee Rossouw, Jimmy Neesham and Jason Holder are among the other foreign players with a base price of 2.0 crore.

With a base price of 1.5 crore, Harry Brook could also earn a big payday for what would be his first IPL after a dream start to his career in England.

Pandey and Agarwal under the hammer

Manish Pandey and Mayank Agarwal are the two Indian players with the highest base price in the auction.

As the first Indian player to achieve an IPL century, Pandey has a base price of 1.0 crore and the same goes for fellow hitter Agarwal.

Pandey was released by Lucknow Super Giants while Agarwal was allowed to leave by Punjab Kings.

Record-breaking teenager Ahmed caps a dream week

What a story it would be to see Rehan Ahmed picked up in the auction after making history in England’s Test win over Pakistan in Karachi.

The leg-turning jack-of-all-trades, 18, became the youngest man to make his England Test debut as they secured a 3-0 whitewash and the teenager made a huge impression.

Ahmed became the youngest man to hit a five-wicket pull in the second innings on his Test debut and would cost at least 0.5 crore – although there will be debate over what his schedule will be after his incredible start on the international stage will.