Andrew Tye will play for the Kings XI Punjab in this year’s IPL

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia pace bowler Andrew Tye has expressed his excitement after being bought by the Kings XI Punjab at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction over the weekend.

Tye established himself as an excellent death bowler in the Big Bash League (BBL), where he plays for the Perth Scorchers, and has subsequently represented Australia in four ODIs and seven Twenty20 Internationals.

He also played for the Gujarat Lions in last year’s IPL and marked his debut with a memorable hat-trick. He went on to finish with 12 wickets in six matches at an average of 11.75 before a shoulder injury brought his campaign to an end.

The 31-year-old went into the auction with a base price of INR 1 crore, but given that he attracted a lot of attention, he ended up being sold to Kings XI Punjab for a whopping INR 7.2 crores.

“It’s been a whirlwind tour from four or five years ago when I wasn’t even a professional – so [it is] unbelievable and a dream come true,” Tye was quoted as saying by CricTracker.

Meanwhile, Tye also admitted that compatriot Chris Lynn is looking in exceptional form ahead of the IPL. The 27-year-old was purchased by the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.6 crores.

Despite recently recovering from shoulder and calf injuries, Tye pointed out that Lynn, who plays for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL, is “looking as good as ever”.

“He’s hitting them pretty well, he’s looking as good as ever. He’s ready to take down some bowlers,” Tye said.