IPL set for second auction

Shane Watson has proved his worth in Twenty20 all around the world © Getty Images

Australia internationals Shane Watson and James Hopes are expected to be snapped up as the competing teams in the inaugural Indian Premier League take part in a second player auction on Tuesday.

There are 18 players up for grabs with Watson and Hopes topping a list which also includes Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf, South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince and Bangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Ashraful.

A host of New Zealand internationals, including Ross Taylor, Chris Martin and Kyle Mills, are also on the block but their tour of England is likely to impact on their availability.

Jaipur are the franchise with the most money remaining and go into the second auction in Mumbai with US$2.05 million in their pocket.

The amounts remaining with the other franchises are: Bangalore $374,000; Chennai $23,750; Delhi $71,250; Hyderabad $262,500; Kolkata $107,500; Mohali $292,250; and Mumbai $53,750.

Australia's James Hopes could be a surprise success in the Twenty20 IPL © Getty Images

It puts Jaipur in a strong position to snap up the remaining talent. And with former Australia international Shane Warne installed as their captain-cum-coach, it is likely they will target Watson and Hopes.

Watson could be a key signing as he is rapidly developing into a Twenty20 expert.

India one-day captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds attracted the highest bids in the first auction on February 20.

Chennai paid $1.5million for Dhoni early on, while Symonds became the most expensive overseas player in the third round of bidding when Hyderabad forked out $1.35million for his services.

The pair were the only players to cost over $1million, with Sri Lanka all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya - a $975,000 purchase by Kolkata - falling just short of that mark.

India duo Ishant Sharma and Irfan Pathan were both snapped up by Mohali for $950,000 and $925,000 respectively, along with Australia paceman Brett Lee, who cost $900,000.

The inaugural IPL season starts on April 18 in the southern city of Bangalore.