Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner of the IPL, on Thursday said that Michael Clarke pulled out of the auction as he felt that he would remain unsold due to his high price.
"Michael Clarke undoubtedly is one of the best players in the world," Modi said. "But I think he gauged his price wrong. I've been talking to his agents and telling them that he should lower his price. But for some reason he didn't want to lower his price," Modi told news channel CNN-IBN
"The reality is, his agent told me last night that he didn't feel anybody would bid for him," he added. "He doesn't want to be unsold. Players need to be realistic in trying to gauge their pricing. Otherwise, the franchises are going to be tough on them and reject them."
Modi however said that Clarke will not be penalized for pulling out at the last minute.
"Unfortunately, he pulled out earlier and there was a penalty in the first year but this year we have waived off the penalty and I don't think we will be able to move forward like this.
"We will discuss the matter in our governing council and have the answer by this evening," he said.
Modi dismissed any suggestion that the player's absence will hurt the IPL. "We don't find it difficult," Modi said.
"We just have to put more manpower in, spend more money. And we are ready to do that. As I said earlier we are recession-proof, we have the money to go out and do it.
The IPL auction will take place on February 6.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Clarke chickened out: Modi
Michael Clarke pulls out of IPL
Michael Clarke, the Australian vice-captain, has pulled out of this year's Indian Premier League citing a hectic international schedule as his reason. Michael Clarke's base price was set at USD 1 million, the second highest after Kevin Pietersen.
Australia are currently playing New Zealand in a 5-match ODI series following which they will head to South Africa for a 2-month long tour. With an ODI series against Pakistan before the Ashes, Australian players would only have a two-week window to participate in the tournament.
"Speaking with my management, my family, my fiancee and the hierarchy of the IPL and for me this year I won't be going to the IPL," Clarke said.
"There's probably a number of reasons but the most important thing for me is we've only got a couple of weeks off, we've got a really busy schedule and I just think for where I'm at with my body and that time at home it's valuable for me."
"I'd love to take part in it one day. It's just about finding the right time for me to be a part of it."
"There's obviously a lot of great things about the IPL and that's why I say I certainly want to be a part of it at some stage. Every player is in a different position as well but for me - mentally, physically where I am - I just think those two weeks at home will be great for me to come home and see family and friends."
Asked whether he was surprised that so many Australians were taking part in the IPL, Clarke said that the tournament had its positives and it was a matter of personal choice.
"I think it's a wonderful thing for cricket. It's definitely improved Twenty20 cricket, certainly played a part in improving one-day cricket and the lead-up to the Twenty20 World Championship is the IPL, so it's pretty good preparation."
"It doesn't surprise me so many guys are going there. It's just a personal choice at this stage."
Clarke joins teammate Mitchell Johnson and England paceman Stuart Broad, both of whom also opted out of the Twenty20 tournament, keeping in mind the hectic international commitments.
Clarke was not part of the first edition of the IPL either after he wished to spend time with his family and his fiancee's ailing father.