'Explosive' Archer 'unique' option for IPL - Royals CEO

England bowler Jofra Archer's "explosive capability" made him a "very unique" option during the Indian Premier League auction, says Rajasthan Royals chief executive Jake Lush McCrum.

Archer, 29, won the player of the tournament with the Royals in the 2020-21 season and was signed for 12.5 crore (£1.18m).

"We're delighted. We were really happy to have him back in the set-up," Lush McCrum told BBC World Service's Stumped podcast.

"I spoke to him quickly afterwards and he's delighted, we're delighted and that explosive capability is something that is very unique. It's great to pick him up."

Archer was initially left off the list for the auction but was later added.

The tournament has strengthened its rules and will players could be banned for two years if they pull out for reasons that are not injury or medical related.

The dates for the 2025 competition are not yet known, but is likely to clash with a large chunk of red-ball cricket at the start of the English domestic season, limiting Archer's opportunities to impress ahead of potentially returning Test cricket in the summer and for the Ashes next winter.

"He has gone through a challenging few years, but he's well looked after now," added Lush McCrum.

"The England physio Craig is actually our physio in the IPL as well, so there's that continuity of management, which is really important.

"He can be managed well. From all of the reviews we got in before the auction, he's in a really good place and we will take great care in ensuring he remains in that good place."

Listen to the full interview with Jack Lush McCrum and Kolkata Knight Riders' team director Joy Bhattacharjya on the Stumped podcast on BBC Sounds.