He may be about to face a court case, but Ben Stokes has still managed to attract a huge sum at the Indian Premier League auction with the Rajasthan Royals purchasing the all-rounder for $2.4million.
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Stokes attracted a record price last season when he was purchased by Rising Pune Supergiant and despite off-field troubles has again gone for a very tidy sum.
The Englishman averaged 31 runs across 12 matches for Pune in 2017, high scoring with an unbeaten 103 while also claiming 12 wickets.
Set to face court on February 13 after a violent incident outside a Bristol pub last year, Stokes took no part in the recent Ashes series.
Interestingly, Stokes' move to the Royals will see him team up with Australian captain Steve Smith.
VIVO #IPLAuction: @rajasthanroyals gets @benstokes38 for INR 12.50 Cr #RR pic.twitter.com/xVvgJLJ15V
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) January 27, 2018
#HallaBol!#PadhaaroSa @benstokes38!
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) January 27, 2018
Welcome to the Royals Squad!
Great times ahead.#AbBajegaDanka #IPLAuction #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/NzcEoiX6gK
A number of Aussies are set be auctioned off throughout the day with Mitchell Starc an early purchase, bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for $1.8 million.
