Mitchell Starc became the most expensive signing in IPL history after KKR shed out a whopping 24.75 crores to buy his services in the IPL 2024 Auction. KKR’s record-breaking amount surpassed the previous amount of 20.50 crores which SRH paid for his compatriot Cummins earlier in the mega event. The Aussie pacers have now become the first two players to breach the 20 crore mark in the history of IPL auctions surpassing Sam Curran’s record of 18.50 crores.
Mitchell Starc last played in the IPL eight years ago & scalped 34 wickets from 27 matches in the 2014 & 2015 seasons at an economy of 7.17. In 121 T20 matches the stellar cricketer has taken 170 wickets at an economy of 7.45. KKR broke all the shackles to grab the services of Starc for the highest amount in the IPL 2024 auctions.
Initially, Starc was signed by KKR for 9.40 crores when he entered the auction in 2018. He missed the season with a leg fracture and was subsequently released from his contract the following year amid contractual disputes with Cricket Australia. But now KKR has again made a point to grab Starc’s services by shedding a huge amount.
It was a win-win situation for Fast Bowlers
Overseas pacers were the pick of the day & before Starc won a jackpot salary in the IPL 2024 auction it was Cummins who set the benchmark by grabbing a salary of 20.50 crore. RCB & SRH indulged in a bidding war to grab the services of Cummins but it was SRH who won the bid by targetting a huge amount.
The stellar Cummins has enjoyed a remarkable year in which he guided Australia to a WTC win followed by a draw Ashes series & World Cup 2023 Trophy. Cummins though has an average record in the IPL having taken 45 wickets from 42 games at an economy of 8.54. RCB who had a major bowling attack splurged a huge 11.50 crores on Alzarri Joseph while Harshal Patel became the Indian player with the highest signing amount when PBKS made a winning bid of 11.75 crores after outstanding Titans.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians added a pair of fierce pacers to their lineup at modest price tags. They signed South African upstart Gerald Coetzee for INR 5 crores and added Sri Lankan Dilshan Madushanka for INR 4.6 crores.
Other notable purchases in IPL 2024 Auction
Chris Woakes – Punjab Kings – INR 4.2 crores
Shardul Thakur – Chennai Super Kings – INR 4 crores
Rachin Ravindra – Chennai Super Kings – INR 1.8 crores
Wanindu Hasaranga – Sunrisers Hyderabad – INR 1.5 crores
Aussies were the major gainees in the IPL 2024 auction while Powell & Madhushanka also managed to grab good deals. Overall IPL 2024 auction was no less than a celebrated affair.
Also read, IPL 2024 Auction, Players List, Available Purse- All Deets
