IPL Auction 2024: Mitchell Starc Sets Record as Most Expensive Player, Cummins Breaks ₹20 Crore Barrier

The IPL Auction 2024 lived up to its hype as records tumbled and the cricketing world witnessed high-stakes bidding wars. The event, held in Dubai, saw Australian pace duo Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc steal the spotlight with jaw-dropping prices, setting new benchmarks for IPL contracts.

Cummins and Starc Rewrite History

Pat Cummins, who had a stellar year, fetched a staggering ₹20.50 crore, with Sunrisers Hyderabad securing his services in a fierce bidding war. However, Cummins’ record was short-lived as Mitchell Starc, the Australian pace stalwart, shattered all previous records by commanding a jaw-dropping ₹24.75 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Starc’s acquisition marked his return to the IPL after an eight-year hiatus.

WE WON, MR. STARC.#IPL2024Auction pic.twitter.com/QV5pd48ktd

— KnightRidersXtra (@KRxtra) December 19, 2023

Intense Bidding Wars and Notable Buys

The auction was not short of intense bidding wars, with notable players changing hands for significant amounts. Daryl Mitchell joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹14 crore, while Harshal Patel secured a spot with Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹11.75 crore. Alzarri Joseph became a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹11.50 crore, and Travis Head was snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹6.80 crore.

Purse Power and Franchise Strategies

The 10 franchises entered the auction arena armed with a collective purse of ₹262.95 crore. Gujarat Titans led the pack with an impressive ₹38.15 crore, followed closely by Sunrisers Hyderabad with ₹34 crore. Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings were other big spenders, boasting purses of over ₹30 crore.

Mallika Sagar Makes History

Adding a historic touch to the proceedings, Mallika Sagar took over as the auctioneer, becoming the first female auctioneer in the 16-year history of the IPL.

Notable Absences and Anticipation for IPL 2024

While some players’ absence, including Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Shakib Al Hasan, and Joe Root, was felt, the sheer magnitude of the event overshadowed any disappointments. The anticipation for the IPL 2024 season is already soaring, especially with Hardik Pandya set to captain Mumbai Indians for the first time and the return of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant to the fray.

The IPL 2024 is expected to commence on March 22, promising fans a riveting season. As the dust settles on the auction, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the on-field action to see which player will emerge as the game-changer of the season.

Key Points:

• Mitchell Starc becomes the most expensive player in IPL history, acquired by KKR for ₹24.75 crore.
• Pat Cummins breaks the ₹20 crore barrier, joining SRH for ₹20.50 crore.
• Daryl Mitchell secured by CSK for ₹14 crore; Harshal Patel acquired by PBKS for ₹11.75 crore.
• Alzarri Joseph joins RCB for ₹11.50 crore; Travis Head snapped up by SRH for ₹6.80 crore.
• Franchises have a collective purse of ₹262.95 crore; Gujarat Titans lead with ₹38.15 crore.
• Mallika Sagar makes history as the first female auctioneer.
• 77 slots to be filled with 213 Indians and 116 foreigners divided into 19 sets.