Ian Botham says Ben Stokes deserves each and every penny of Rs. 14.5 crores

Former legendary all-rounder Ian Botham has said that Ben Stokes is worth each and every penny of £1.7 million ($2.1mn) that the all-rounder will pocket after playing the upcoming Indian Premier League. The swashbuckling all-rounder bagged a whopping Rs. 14.5 crores in the recent IPL Auction and will be playing for the Rising Pune Supergiants in the upcoming edition of the Vivo IPL. Stokes set a world-record for any overseas player in the IPL history and Botham believes he deserves each and every penny.

The 25-year-old youngster who hails from Durham where Botham is the newly appointed chairman. He was also a part of the elite county during his tenure as a player. Botham who was one of the best all-rounders during his generation said that he was glad that Stokes was well rewarded for his exploits in international cricket. Stokes has also been appointed as Joe Root’s deputy in the longest format after Alastair Cook stepped down.

“He is getting for the IPL what most guys going to China to play football are getting for a fortnight’s wages,” Botham was quoted as saying during addressing a media conference at Chester-le-Street headquarters in Durham. “Cricket needs to move and I think players deserve the rewards. It’s a precarious living. You can have an injury and never play again and I think people realise that now,” he further added.

Stokes has often been compared to Botham’s hard-hitting strokeplay. Calling him a “box-office” player Botham said, “I am very pleased for Ben. He is box office — that’s why he went for what he went for (in the IPL). His intention is not just to play, but to win, and that’s the kind of guy he is. He is uncomplicated, what you see is what you get and he is a breath of fresh air, so I wish him all the best. And he is very loyal to Durham County Cricket Club.”

Also read: Chris Gayle dead bats PSL final participation with hilarious reply