December 19, 2023
In a dazzling display of cricket’s financial prowess, the IPL 2024 auction witnessed Australian speedster Mitchell Starc shattering records by becoming the costliest player in the tournament’s history. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made headlines with an extravagant bid of ₹24.75 crore for Starc, eclipsing Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) ₹20.5 crore bid for Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins.
starc’s Historic Feat:
Mitchell Starc, entering the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, made history by securing a jaw-dropping ₹24.75 crore deal with KKR. The left-arm pacer now holds the title of the most expensive player in IPL history, adding a thrilling chapter to the tournament’s legacy.
Cummins Joins ₹20 Crore Club:
Pat Cummins, another Australian powerhouse, fetched a staggering ₹20.5 crore bid from SRH. This makes Cummins and Starc the only players in IPL history to command a price tag exceeding ₹20 crore, setting a new benchmark for player evaluations.
Top Buys in a Billion-Dollar Bidding Frenzy:
The auction witnessed other marquee players securing lucrative deals, including Sam Curran (₹18.50 crore to Punjab Kings), Cameron Green (₹17.50 crore to Mumbai Indians), Ben Stokes (₹16.25 crore to Chennai Super Kings), and Chris Morris (₹16.25 crore to Rajasthan Royals).
RCB’s Splurge on Alzarri Joseph:
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) broke the bank for West Indies bowler Alzarri Joseph, acquiring him for ₹11.50 crore. The player, with a base price of ₹1 crore, underwent a significant value surge in the spirited bidding war.
Daryl Mitchell’s Remarkable Comeback:
New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, unsold in the previous IPL auction, made a triumphant return as he clinched a massive ₹14 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), surpassing all expectations.
Spectacular Deals and Surprises:
The auction featured eye-catching deals, including Shivam Mavi to Lucknow Super Giants (₹6.4 crore), Umesh Yadav to Gujarat Titans (₹5.8 crore), and Chris Woakes to Punjab Kings (₹4.20 crore). Punjab Kings also secured Harshal Patel for a whopping ₹11.75 crore.
Travis Head’s Journey to SRH:
Australian batsman Travis Head, a World Cup hero, joined Sunrisers Hyderabad with a ₹6.8 crore deal. His spectacular performance in the World Cup 2023 final, where he scored a century, added to the anticipation surrounding his IPL journey.
Notable Retentions and Trades:
Wanindu Hasaranga to SRH (₹1.5 crore), Rovman Powell’s trade from Delhi Capitals to Rajasthan Royals (₹7.4 crore), and Harry Brook’s move from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Delhi Capitals (₹4 crore) added intriguing dimensions to the auction drama.
Unsold Stars and Unexpected Trades:
Notable players like Steve Smith, Philip Salt, Josh Inglis, Kusal Mendis, Lockie Ferguson, and Manish Pandey failed to secure bids. The unexpected trade of Harry Brook highlighted the dynamic nature of player valuations.
The IPL 2024 auction, with its record-breaking deals and unexpected twists, has set the stage for a thrilling season, promising cricket enthusiasts unparalleled excitement and suspense. 🏏💰 #IPL2024 #CricketAuction #MitchellStarc https://www.sportiwe.com/
