Big-hitting Barrow star Liam Livingstone has sent a message to his new club in the Indian Premier League after becoming the most expensive overseas buy in the 2022 auction.

The all-rounder joined Punjab Kings for £1.125m after a bidding war involving a number of rival teams.

The auction underlined Livingstone’s reputation as one of the most eyecatching one-day talents in the game.

The huge sum invested in Livingstone is a dramatic increase from the £73,000 paid by Rajasthan Royals for his services a year ago, when he made just 42 runs in five innings.

It highlights his stunning form since then – and Livingstone used a social media video to reach out to fans of his new club to express his excitement at joining them.

“Hello Punjab fans, it’s Liam Livingstone here. Just a quick message to tell you how excited I am to represent the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2022.

“Thanks to all the staff that picked me up in the auction today and I am really excited to get out to India and get the tournament started. Hopefully see you all soon.”

Livingstone was also targeted by Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans before Punjab succeeded with their bid.

It followed a highly impressive summer in white-ball cricket for the Lancashire star.

The 28-year-old was named most valuable player in the inaugural edition of The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix, and hit a maiden T20 international hundred off just 42 balls for England against Pakistan – England’s fastest T20 century.

Livingstone will be one of three English players at Punjab Kings in 2022, with Jonny Bairstow and Benny Howell having also been selected in the big-money auction.

As well as his big hitting, the Barrovian’s spin bowling is another weapon in his arsenal.

India legend Anil Kumble, Punjab’s head coach, said Livingstone can expect to carry out similar duties in the IPL as he does for his county side.

“[Jonny] Bairstow and Livingstone play together for the same team,” he said. “and [will] probably play the same, or similar, roles for us.”

Fast bowler Tymal Mills has backed Livingstone to cope with the burden of his expensive price tag.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, he said: “I’m sure Livi will be just fine.

“If a team has decided to buy you for X amount, you can’t see that as anything but a positive.

“He won’t be overawed by that or feel the pressure of it: he’ll just go out and do his thing.”

The IPL runs from April 2 to June 3.