By Rajiv Bisnauth

THREE of the country’s sought-after cricketing talents – Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford and Keemo Paul – were snapped up at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction on Tuesday.

The trio are now dubbed the ‘million dollar boys’ after the 21-year-old Hetmyer was drafted by Royal Challengers Bangalore at a price of US$588 000 (G$122,974,322), joining T20 stars Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.

All-rounder Rutherford will head to Delhi Capitals, having been bought for US$280 000 (GY$58,559,201), while Paul was also bought by the Delhi Capitals for US$70 000 (G$14,639,800).

The young Guyanese are definitely on the rise in world cricket, more so in the game’s shortest format and their latest achievement is a testimony of their hard work and dedication to the sport.

However, Paul, who has represented Guyana, West Indies and Guyana Amazon Warriors, said, “It’s a special feeling to be a part of the IPL. It was always a goal I set myself; to someday play in the IPL. It’s a dream year for me especially since my childhood dream of playing for the West Indies came through this year.

“Playing for West Indies is where my heart will always be but this is a big opportunity and I feel humble to have been given the opportunity,” Paul told Chronicle Sport yesterday.

He added, “It came as a surprise, I was looking at the auction and was excited that Sherfane (Rutherford) and Shimron (Hettie) got bought. We were all in one room looking at the draft, and then I left my room to eat dinner and that’s when my name came up and I heard loud banging on my door. When I opened it was Hettie and Sherfane jumping and hugging me because Delhi had bid for me”.

Paul, the 20-year-old feels the IPL will be a learning curve for him.

“I am expecting to learn a lot. The league will provide me with good exposure. Playing with and against experienced players will boost my confidence. I want to gain as much experience as possible from the coaches and senior players in international cricket for I’m still young in my international career.

“It will be a confidence-builder and a big learning experience for me, and I’m looking forward to it,” Paul concluded.