In a stunning turn of events at the IPL 2024 auction, Mitchell Starc has created waves by becoming the most expensive player in the league’s history. Kolkata Knight Riders secured Starc with a jaw-dropping bid of INR 24.75 crore, surpassing the previous record set by Pat Cummins at INR 20.50 crore with Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier in the auction.
Initially, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals engaged in a fierce bidding war for Starc, but the battleground shifted as Gujarat Titans and KKR entered the fray. The intense bidding war unfolded, ultimately resulting in Starc donning the purple and gold jersey for the upcoming IPL season.
Starc’s last appearance in an IPL auction was in 2018 when KKR bought him for INR 9.4 crore. Unfortunately, he couldn’t grace the field due to injury. His return to the IPL auction was nothing short of spectacular, breaking records and rewriting the history books.
Cummins, the previous record holder, found a new home with Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20.50 crore, marking his return to the league after skipping the 2023 season. His triumphant comeback fetched a record-breaking bid, surpassing Sam Curran’s INR 18.50 crore in 2023.
Adding to the Australian presence at Sunrisers Hyderabad, Travis Head joined the squad for INR 6.8 crore. This dynamic pairing with Cummins sets the stage for an exciting collaboration Down Under in the IPL.
The auction also witnessed ODI World Cup performers securing lucrative IPL deals. Daryl Mitchell joined Chennai Super Kings for a hefty INR 14 crore after a fierce bidding war with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. Rachin Ravindra, another standout performer, was purchased by CSK for INR 1.8 crore.
Gerald Coetzee and Dilshan Madushanka were added to the CSK roster, with the franchise securing both players for a total of INR 9.6 crore. Afghanistan’s rising star, Azmatullah Omarzai, found a home at Gujarat Titans.
The auction showcased surprising developments, such as Rovman Powell’s move to Rajasthan Royals for INR 7.4 crore. Powell’s previous auction price of INR 2.8 crore with Delhi Capitals in 2022 was dwarfed by his impressive valuation this year.
The drama continued with the hotly contested bidding for Alzarri Joseph, who was released by Titans and eventually acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a hefty INR 11.50 crore. CSK, DC, LSG, and RCB fought fiercely for Joseph, highlighting the high demand for quality overseas fast bowlers.
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All you need to know about most expensive player in IPL history
