IPL 2022: “IPL contract feels unreal like a computer game”, says Mark Wood
IPL 2022: England bowler Mark Wood, was delighted to find takers in the IPL auction. But he compared getting the contract to playing a computer game like ‘Football Manager’ which is “almost not real.” Wood was purchased for Rs 7.50 crore by the Lucknow Super Giants, who beat down bids from the Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians.
“As soon as the final amount was confirmed Sarah asked what it was in pounds – I might have to freeze all our accounts so it doesn’t disappear.” Wood told ‘The Guardian.’
Wood told ‘The Guardian’
“But we’re delighted. It’s a weird experience. It feels like a computer game. Almost not real, like transfers on Football Manager – but it’s also very real when you get signed.”
He added
The 32-year-old recounted the scenario in his house during the auction. Though he had withdrawn from the auction last year to spend more time with his family.
“We were about to go away for the weekend for a wedding anniversary. I missed in Australia but the IPL auctioneer falling ill on stage paused everything and delayed us setting off.”
Wood said
Hugh Edmeades, the auctioneer, had collapsed in the auction room during the first day due to low blood pressure.
James Anderson and Stuart Broad are left out of England’s team for the Three-Test series against the West Indies next month. For which, Wood admitted that he was “shocked” to learn of their absence. He also discussed the departure of former head coach Chris Silverwood from the team following the team’s humiliating Ashes series defeat.
IPL 2022: Anderson and Broad’s Absence From the Squad for West Indies Tour
For more than a decade, James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been identified with England’s Test bowling attack. With approximately 1200 scalps combined in the longest format, these two constitute a lethal duo that ranks among the greatest in the world. James Anderson and Stuart Broad now have been left out of England’s team for the March tour of the West Indies.
They might, however, be a thing of the past now. Anderson, 39, has 640 wickets in 169 Tests, making him England’s all-time highest wicket-taker in tests. Broad, who is 35 years old, is second on the list with 537 wickets in 152 appearances.
“I want to emphasise this does not mean the end for them as England players.”
Said Andrew Strauss, the team’s interim managing director
Following England’s 4-0 defeat in the Ashes, these two players are dropped before of the West Indies tour. England’s head coach Chris Silverwood, director of cricket Ashley Giles, and assistant coach Graham Thorpe have all resigned as a result of the humiliation. As England looks to the future, Anderson will turn 40 this year and Broad will be 36, so the chances of them playing again are slim.
