The IPL 2024 auction witnessed cricket history as two players clinched mind-boggling deals and became the most expensive players in IPL history with bids soaring as high as INR 24 crore.
Australian pace ace Mitchell Starc emerged as the most expensive player in IPL’s chronicles, securing an eye-popping contract of INR 24.75 crore, marking his return after an eight-year hiatus. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) engaged in an intense tug-of-war, triumphing over Gujrat Titans (GT) in an epic bidding battle to secure Starc’s services.
Pat Cummins, fresh off leading Australia’s victorious 50-overs World Cup campaign, held the title briefly before Starc’s surge. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) snagged Cummins for a hefty INR 20.5 crore, amidst fierce contention from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Let’s revisit the IPL’s most expensive acquisitions across the years.
Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) – INR 24.75 Crore
The Australian speedster redefined IPL economics with his monumental return, triggering a high-octane bidding war eventually won by KKR, making him the league’s most expensive player ever. He was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a whopping INR 24.75 crore fee during IPL 2024 auctions.
Surreal 🫣
INR 24.75 Crore 💰#KKR fans, make way for Mitchell Starc who's ready to bowl in 💜💛#IPLAuction | #IPL pic.twitter.com/E6dfoTngte
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 19, 2023
Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – INR 20.5 Crore
Cummins’ astronomical deal temporarily crowned him as the IPL’s most expensive player, showcasing his prowess as the 2023 World Cup-winning skipper. Cummins was bought by Sunrises Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 20.5 crore following an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
HISTORY. 💥
Pat Cummins is a #Riser 🧡#HereWeGOrange pic.twitter.com/yZPPDiZRVS
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 19, 2023
Sam Curran (Punjab Kings) – INR 18.50 Crore
England’s dynamic all-rounder was snagged by Punjab Kings for INR 18.50 crore during last year’s IPL auction. He held the title of the league’s highest-paid player but was trumped this year by the Australian pace duo. However, Curran failed to match his price tag with his performance during IPL 2023.
Cameron Green (Mumbai Indians) — INR 17.50 Crore
Cameron Green was purchased by Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2023 for a staggering sum of INR 17.5 crore and after a decent year, has been traded to RCB. He played 16 matches for the team, scoring 452 runs and taking six wickets.
Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings) — INR 16.25 Crore
Ben Stokes received huge bids during the 2023 auction, however, CSK acquired his services for INR 16.25 crore. Unfortunately, he featured in only two matches for the team due to a knee injury. He has made himself unavailable for IPL 2024, owing to workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.
The IPL auction saga continues to astound, unravelling eye-watering deals and shattering price barriers, setting the stage for cricketing spectacles with these high-value acquisitions.
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