The IPL Auction 2024 witnessed yet another record-breaking moment as Mitchell Starc was sold to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore, surpassing Pat Cummins’ record set just moments earlier.
From base price to record-breaker:
Starc, with a base price of Rs 2 crore, ignited an intense bidding war between KKR and Gujarat Titans before KKR eventually secured his services at the astronomical price. This marks Starc’s return to the IPL after an 8-year hiatus, having last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2015. He was previously acquired by KKR in 2018 but had to withdraw due to injuries.
Cummins’ short-lived reign:
Just before Starc’s record-breaking deal, Pat Cummins, Starc’s Australian teammate and World Cup-winning captain, was sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.5 crore, briefly holding the title of the most expensive IPL player. However, his reign was quickly eclipsed by Starc’s monumental deal.
Starc vs. Curran: Record rewritten, again!
Starc’s acquisition not only marks his personal milestone but also rewrites the record books. He dethrones English player Sam Curran, who was sold to Punjab Kings for Rs 18.5 crore in the 2023 auction.
Yuvraj Singh’s Indian record remains intact:
While Starc now holds the overall record, Yuvraj Singh’s Rs 16 crore acquisition by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2015 remains the highest price paid for an Indian player in the IPL.
A look at the top 10 most expensive IPL players:
Mitchell Starc (KKR) – Rs 24.75 crore (2024)
Pat Cummins (SRH) – Rs 20.5 crore (2024)
Sam Curran (PBKS) – Rs 18.5 crore (2023)
Cameron Green (MI) – Rs 17.5 crore (2023)
Ben Stokes (CSK) – Rs 16.25 crore (2023)
Chris Morris (RR) – Rs 16.25 crore (2021)
Nicolas Pooran (LSG) – Rs 16 crore (2023)
Yuvraj Singh (DD) – Rs 16 crore (2015)
Pat Cummins (KKR) – Rs 15.5 crore (2020)
Ishan Kishan (MI) – Rs 15.25 crore (2022)
The IPL Auction 2024 continues to generate excitement and break records, making it a truly unmissable event for cricket fans worldwide. Starc’s record-breaking deal is a testament to his exceptional talent and the high demand for world-class fast bowlers in the IPL. It will be interesting to see how he performs for KKR in the upcoming season and if any other records are broken before the auction concludes.
Stay tuned for further updates from the IPL Auction 2024!
