Florida: Cricket has an uncanny way of offering second chances — and Pawan Negi’s journey is living proof. Once the most expensive Indian player in an IPL auction, the left-arm spinner and hard-hitting all-rounder is now making his mark in the Mayor’s New World T20 League in Florida.
Negi, who famously fetched a record ₹8.5 crore deal with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2016 IPL auction, had a career full of promise. However, after playing just one T20I for India during the 2016 Asia Cup against the UAE, his international career faded quickly.
Nearly a decade later, the 32-year-old is back in competitive cricket, representing the California Steelers in the newly launched T20 tournament in the United States.
A Star-Studded Tournament in Fort Lauderdale
The Mayor’s New World T20 — which began on November 8 and runs until November 16 at Broward County Stadium, Fort Lauderdale — is being hailed as a landmark step in North America’s cricket growth.
Organised by Pramanit Global Ventures USA Inc., the event features four teams — Florida Hurricanes, New York Cavaliers, California Steelers, and Chicago Raiders — each featuring a mix of international stars and emerging local talent.
Among the notable players:
Florida Hurricanes: Denesh Ramdin, Tino Best
New York Cavaliers: Dwayne Smith, Kevon Cooper
California Steelers: Naman Ojha, Samit Patel, Pawan Negi
Chicago Raiders: Chaitanya Bishnoi, Manpreet Gony, Kennar Lewis
Cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards serves as the official ambassador, bringing his global influence to promote the league’s vision of making the United States a rising cricketing powerhouse.
From IPL Fame to Florida Comeback
Negi’s story comes full circle — from lifting the CLT20 trophy with Chennai Super Kings in 2014, where he took a memorable 5/22 in the final, to now playing a role in developing cricket’s global future.
While his IPL journey saw highs and lows, Negi’s resurgence in Florida signals a new chapter for both the player and the sport’s expanding presence in the American market.
