The limited number of slots combined with the cap of US$2 million meant franchises could afford to splurge on players they coveted, illustrated by Ravindra Jadeja getting the maximum bid of $2 million and R Vinay Kumar being bought for $1 million.

Yuvraj Singh, who played a stellar role in India's ODI World Cup triumph last year, has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy in the United States.

Subrata Roy, the chairman of Sahara India Parivar, has said the company will not be rigid about its decision to sever ties with the BCCI. Sahara has withdrawn its sponsorship of the Indian cricket team and ownership of the IPL franchise Pune Warriors but Roy said he was open to negotiations with the BCCI, in particular to ensure the welfare of the players of the Pune Warriors.

The Australian cricket team suffered a massive blow on Sunday after its veteran pace spearhead Brett Lee was ruled out of the entire ODI tri-series against India and Sri Lanka due to a broken foot.

Vinay Kumar gave India a strong start with the ball but rain was threatening to play a major role in the first Commonwealth Bank Series match at the MCG.