IPL 2022: Mark Wood stunned by IPL price tag – Delighted to find takers at the IPL auction, England pacer Mark Wood said receiving a contract was similar to playing a computer game like ‘Football Manager’ – “almost not real”. Wood was bought by new franchise Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 7.50 crore after fending off bids from Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. Follow IPL 2022 updates on Insidesport.IN
“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. 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,” Mark Wood told The Guardian.
IPL 2022: Mark Wood STUNNED by his Rs 7.5 Cr price tag at auction, says ‘IPL contract feels unreal like a computer game’
IPL 2022: Mark Wood STUNNED by his Rs 7.5 Cr price tag at auction, says ‘IPL contract feels unreal like a computer game’
The 32-year-old, who had withdrawn from last year’s auction to spend more time with his family, recalled the scene in his house during the auction. The last time he played in the IPL was back in 2018 when he turned out for Chennai Super Kings. He played just one match, giving away 49 runs in four overs without a wicket.
“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,” Mark Wood said.
Auctioneer Hugh Edmeades had collapsed inside the auction room through the first day due to low blood pressure.
Making his ‘Mark’ already, eh? 😅
Loving @MAWood33‘s excitement on joining the Super Giants. We can’t wait to have him with us. 🤩🙌#TATAIPLAuction #IPLAuction #LucknowSuperGiants pic.twitter.com/OPG7vQUzTa
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) February 13, 2022
IPL 2022: Mark Wood STUNNED by his Rs 7.5 Cr price tag at auction, says ‘IPL contract feels unreal like a computer game’
“Harry was meant to sleep in the car but just conked out on the sofa before my name came up. I remember Sarah shouting – but also whispering – ‘Get back here now,’ as I was putting some dishes in the sink. After a quiet start to the bidding, suddenly it moved fast and the numbers went up,” he said.
Veteran pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad were dropped from the English side for three-Test series against West Indies next month and Wood said he was “shocked” to learn about the duo’s omission.
IPL 2022: Mark Wood STUNNED by his Rs 7.5 Cr price tag at auction, says ‘IPL contract feels unreal like a computer game’
“I didn’t see it coming at all. It will be weird those two not being on tour; a first for me. Even when injured they normally stay in the group. But I know they’ll be there on text if I need advice. And if they see something, they’d message too. They’re England fans, I know they’ve been there a long time but they still just want England to win and I’m 100% sure they’ll be back,” Mark Wood added.
He also spoke about former head coach Chris Silverwood’s departure from the team in the wake of the side’s embarrassing Ashes series defeat.
“It’s sad. Spoons was so supportive of me. I came on leaps and bounds since he first came on board as bowling coach [in 2018]. He always made my work fun and never put pressure on me. You never want anyone to lose their job and it’s so hard as a player when management cop it for your failures,” Wood said.
IPL 2022: Mark Wood STUNNED by his Rs 7.5 Cr price tag at auction, says ‘IPL contract feels unreal like a computer game’
