By Zainab Shafiq 
Suresh Raina, the former Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer, has reportedly registered for the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 auction with a base price of USD 50,000, generating excitement among fans. The LPL auction is scheduled to be held on June 14, and the fourth edition of the league is set to take place from June 30 to August 20.
While Raina retired from all forms of cricket in September 2022, he continues to be a popular figure in Indian cricket. He last showcased his skills in the Legends League Cricket in March this year. Known for his explosive batting and versatility on the field, Raina played a vital role in the CSK’s championship victories in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021. As the leading run-scorer for CSK with 4,687 runs in 176 matches, he also served as their vice-captain.
Raina’s impact extended beyond CSK, as he captained the Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017, guiding them to the top of the points table in their inaugural season. With over 5,500 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Raina ranks sixth in the all-time leading run-scorers list.
In international cricket, Raina made history as the first Indian cricketer to score a century in all three formats. His impressive record includes being the first Indian to score a T20I century, achieved during the 2010 T20 World Cup against South Africa in the West Indies. Raina concluded his international career with nearly 8,000 runs and played a crucial role in India’s triumphs at the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Moving on to the LPL 2023, this edition will witness a player auction for the first time in the league’s history. Five teams will compete for the coveted title, and franchises have the opportunity to directly sign two local and two overseas players before the auction. Subsequently, they can select 14 local players and six overseas players to complete their squads.
The forthcoming LPL auction will feature over 500 players, including 140 overseas cricketers, who will vie for a spot in the league. Renowned players such as Babar Azam, David Miller, Matthew Wade, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have already been pre-signed by the franchises.
It is worth noting that the Jaffna Kings have emerged victorious in all three editions of the LPL, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the league’s history.
As the LPL 2023 approaches, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the action-packed tournament and the potential inclusion of Suresh Raina, who can bring his experience and expertise to the event.