East Grinstead's Ashley Jackson (L) controls the ball in front of Waterloo Ducks' Benjamin Van Hove during their EuroHockey League Round 1.2 game at East Grinstead HC, West Sussex, 28th October 2012.

Jackson to play for Ranchi Rhinos

West Malling hockey star Ashley Jackson became one of the most sought-after players in the world this week when he was sold at auction for the Indian Hockey League.

The 24-year-old was one of 240 players in the auction set up for clubs to buy the best players for the next season of the league.

The Great Britain Olympic star fetched one of the highest prices, the $73,000 (£44,900) eclipsing his reserve of $25,000.

The East Grinstead player, who won the world young player of the year award in 2009, was in action at the Maxifuel Super Sixes Championships when the auction was taking place.

However, there was a small pause in their day to take in the big news.

“I’m very happy with the outcome. I couldn’t watch it live as I was in a team meeting with East Grinstead, but Matt Jones was mouthing the price silently and when it hit $40,000 we had to stop the meeting and pay a bit more attention,” said Jackson.

His $73,000 price-tag makes him the second-highest earner in his team the Ranchi Rhinos. Only the newly-crowned FIH World Player of the Year Moritz Fürste made more as he went for $83,950.

The most expensive player from the five teams is Dutchman Teun De Nooijer, who sold for $87,400.

Jackson said: “I’m delighted to be playing for the Ranchi Rhinos under Gregg Clark and also excited to play alongside a decorated Mo Fürste.”

The tournament takes place from Wednesday, January 16, until Sunday, February 10.