Inaugural cricket auction turns out to be money spinner for top players

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An alleged ‘shadow ban’ on Pakistani cricketers by Indian-owned teams turned out to be unfounded as the revamped Hundred hosted an auction of players in Piccadilly Circus. Sunrisers Leeds, owned by an Indian media conglomerate, paid £190,000 for spin bowler Abrar Ahmed, although numerous Pakistani players did go unsold. James Coles, yet to make his England debut, was the biggest buy of the men’s auction. The two most expensive female players, Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine, will each earn £210,000 for less than a month’s work. This is more than three times higher than the top salary last year, and 14 times what it was in the first edition of the 100-ball tournament.