Shanto ‘doubtful’ if Fizz will treat him after record IPL deal

Najmul Hossain Shanto was delighted to hear about his Bangladesh teammate Mustafizur Rahman getting a team in Tuesday's Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Abu Dhabi, but remained unsure whether he could extort a treat from the left-arm pacer.

Shanto and a number of other current cricketers were busy featuring in a Victory Day exhibition match when news arrived that Mustafizur had been picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record INR 9.2 crore for the upcoming 19th edition of the IPL, scheduled to be played from March to May next year.

It is the highest price ever paid for a Bangladeshi player in an IPL auction. Three franchises showed interest in the 30-year-old, with Kolkata eventually beating Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals to his signature.

Even after the exhibition match -- organised by the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and won by Mehidy Hasan Miraz-led Odommyo XI against Shanto's Oparajeyo XI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur -- Mustafizur remained the centre of discussion.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shanto shared his excitement. "I heard, it's very good news. I don't know how much [Mustafizur's price]," he said, before journalists present informed him of the amount Mustafizur fetched at the auction.

"Brother, this is very good news. You should promote it as much as possible," Shanto added.

Shanto also took a light-hearted dig at his teammate. When asked if he would demand a treat from his record-breaking teammate, Shanto jokingly responded, "I will try to take a treat. I don't think he will give it, but I will try -- though I am doubtful."

Miraz was also extremely happy with Mustafizur's high price, seeing it as a blessing for the country. "I didn't watch the auction, but I heard he got a very good price. This is a blessing for us," Miraz said.

Another Bangladeshi star, Taskin Ahmed, went unsold despite being listed in the IPL auction earlier in the day.