5 highest paid players at the MCL auction

The inaugural player auction for the Masters Champions League, which will take place in 2016 was held behind closed doors in Dubai. Although there were only 90 slots available in total for all six teams, 250 former cricketers were in contention and the auction saw plenty of surprises.All players were categorised based on their international appearances into four divisions -Icons, A+ players (more than 100 caps), A players and Associate players, with base prices starting at $10,000.Let us take a look at the most expensive players from the auction.

#5 Muttiah Muralitharan - Gemini Arabians ($120,000)

Muralitharan’s career T20 economy rate is only 6.3

The all-time leading ODI and Test wicket-taker was the fifth-most expensive player at the MCL auction, as Muttiah Muralitharan was signed by Gemini Arabians for $120,000. Muralitharan, who bowled well in Cricket All-Stars, will be hoping to bamboozle a few more batsmen in the inaugural MCL.

Muralitharan's off spin has long been a source of frustration for international batsmen, who couldn't pick him, so ended up not only losing their wickets, but also found themselves unable to score too many off him. Although he made his debut long before the arrival of T20s, it is a testament to Muralitharan's skills that he still has a tremendous record in the shortest format of the game.

In 164 T20 matches, the former Sri Lankan spinner has taken 179 wickets at a staggering economy rate of just 6.3. He has played in the IPL, Big Bash and the Caribbean Premier League. Despite playing for two decades, batsmen still struggle to pick his deliveries and that is what makes him a very good buy, even if he is the fifth-most expensive player.

#4 Paul Collingwood - Capricorn Commanders ($140,000)

Collingwood was captain of England’s World T20 winning side

Arguably one of the biggest surprises from the MCL auction was England's only World Cup winning captain becoming the fourth-most expensive player. Paul Collingwood, who still plays county cricket for Durham, was snapped up by the Capricorn Commanders for $140,000.

Collingwood, who was one of the six icon players, who all had a base price of $100,000, cost more than several marquee legends. The 39-year-old is perhaps the best example of a player, who has adapted his technique to the modern game and still not only survives, but thrives. When he first burst onto the scene for England, he was seen as a technically correct player, who was ideal for the longest format, but his ability to adapt meant he thrived in the limited-overs format more than Tests.

While his T20 record is not great, the fact that he can contribute with the bat, ball and the field, apart from his obvious tactical nous that comes from captaining his county and country, he is a great addition to the Commanders squad. After all, what better player could there be for the Commanders than the Brigadier block himself.

#3 Richard Levi - Gemini Arabians ($152,000)

At 27, Richard Levi will be a valuable asset to the Gemini Arabians

It is hard to say what is a bigger surprise. The fact that Richard Levi cost more than all but two players in the MCL auction, or the fact that he is even in the auction, considering that he is just 27.

Whatever the case, the $152,000 that Gemini Arabians paid to secure the signature of Richard Levi is arguably one of the best deals of the tournament, even if it is so expensive.

Levi, who in the last few months has played in the Natwest T20 Blast for Northants Steelbacks and in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge for Cape Cobras, is not only one of the youngest players in the auction, but also one that provides one of the best value for money, given both his age and considering the fact that he is still in the prime of his career.

The hard-hitting opening batsman has a T20 career average of almost 30 and strike rate in excess of 140. With Virender Sehwag as his opening partner, there could be some carnage, if both these two click.

#2 Adam Gilchrist - Sagittarius Soldiers ($170,000)

Gilchrist has scored three T20 hundred

The second-most expensive player in the MCL auction couldn't be more different from the most expensive player. The former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist is not only one of the finest wicketkeepers to have played limited-overs cricket, but is also arguably one of the most explosive openers of all-time.

Gilchrist was purchased for $170,000 by the Sagittarius Soldiers and the prospect of the Australian, opening the batting along with Mahela Jayawardene is something that already has some fans salivating at the prospect. The style and elegance of Jayawardene, coupled with the brute force and sheer power of Gilchrist is sure to be one of the highlights of the inaugural MCL.

Gilchrist's record in the shortest format of the game is a testament to his ability to take the game away from the opposition. While his average of 27 isn't particularly impressive, his strike rate of 140. The Soldiers will be counting on the 44-year-old to provide them with explosive starts.

#1 Jacques Kallis - Libra Legends ($175,000)

Kallis has scored over 2,000 runs in IPL

Jacques Kallis was the biggest talking point from the MCL auction as the former South African all-rounder was bought for $175,000 by the Libra Legends, to become the most expensive player in the auction. The South African who recently won the Caribbean Premier League for Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, is the 12th leading run-scorer in IPL, where he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Kallis is arguably one of the most-established T20 all-rounders going around, as is evident from his numbers. In 168 T20 matches, he has scored over 4,000 runs at an average of 31.5 and taken 109 wickets at an economy rate of 7.6. While he may not be the most explosive opening batsman, his ability to provide solid starts should not be underestimated.

Not only that, his knack of keeping things quiet and chipping in with the odd wicket here and there, only increases his value to the team, as does his safe pair of hands in the slip cordon. While he might be expensive, Libra Legends have surely got themselves a fantastic acquisition with the signing of Kallis.