By Admin 
IPL is the biggest cricket league in the world, in which all the big players of the world play. But West Indies legend Brian Lara, who was sent the first contract of the league, could not play in the IPL due to his stubbornness. Although after this Lara put his name in the auction, but by then times had changed and no franchise bought him.
When great players of cricket are mentioned, the name of Brian Lara of West Indies will always be taken, who played historic innings of 400 runs in Test and 501 runs in First Class. When IPL was starting in 2008, BCCI wanted the world’s biggest players to play in it. Lara was sent the first IPL contract because the West Indies legend had the highest brand value at that time. Video games were in his name. But Lara could never play in IPL.
Why did Brian Lara reject IPL contract?
When IPL was starting, the IPL Governing Council set a limit of $4 lakh for foreign players. Although Brian Lara wanted him to get more money. He put forward a demand of 1 million dollars. By then Lara had retired from international cricket, hence such a huge amount was not spent on him. Lara’s brand value was undoubtedly high, but the league also looks at business strategy along with legacy. Lara could not play IPL due to his conditions.
No buyer found in 2011
Brian Lara gave up his insistence, but by then it was too late. Times had changed, and the legend who was sent the first IPL contract was not sold in the auction. Lara had registered her name in the 2011 mega auction. He gave up his stubbornness and got his name registered at the base price of 4 lakh dollars. At that time, IPL teams were adding young players, they were forming teams keeping the future in mind. No franchise bought Lara, he remained unsold. He could never play IPL, although later he became a part of this league as a coach.