Kumble pulls out of IPL auction

Mumbai, Jan 4 (PTI) Former India captain Anil Kumble
on Tuesday pulled put of this weekend's Indian Premier League
(IPL) auction, citing his involvement in cricket
administration and other commitments.
Kumble, who captained Royal Challengers Bangalore in two
IPL seasons, in 2009 and 2010, said he was withdrawing from
the January 9-10 auction because of business commitments, his
association with cricket administration and wildlife in
various capacities.
"I wish to withdraw from the players auction for IPL IV
scheduled for the 8th and 9th of January 2011 in Bangalore,"
said the legendary leg-spinner in an IPL release.
"I have enjoyed my stint at the IPL so far and thank all
concerned for the support extended," said Kumble, who was
elected as Karnataka State Cricket Association president in
November last year.
Kumble was not retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore
(RCB) team for this season and was among those players put up
for auction with a reserved price of USD 4,00,000.
The former Indian skipper was largely responsible for
RCB's turnaround in the IPL. After being named captain for
the 2009 season, Kumble led his team to the final of the
Twenty20 league.
A year later, the leg-spinner inspired his team to a
third-place finish. Consequently, the team qualified for the
Champions League T20 tournament twice under his leadership.
Kumble also took 45 wickets in the three editions of the IPL
to prove his worth even in the shortest version of the game.
PTI