IPL Auction 2024: Mitchell Starc Surpasses Pat Cummins To Become Most Expensive Player In IPL Auction History

IPL Auction 2024: Mitchell Starc was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping Rs 24.75 crore, breaking the record for the most expensive player in IPL history.

IPL Auction 2024: Australian star Mitchell Starc made a significant splash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Auction on December 19 (Tuesday). Returning to the IPL after an eight-year absence, the left-arm quick was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping Rs 24.75 crore, breaking the record for the most expensive player in IPL history. This acquisition surpassed the previous record held by his fellow Australian and teammate, Pat Cummins, who was earlier signed by SRH for Rs 20.5 crore on the same day an hour ago.

The IPL Auctions 2024 witnessed a gripping bidding war primarily between Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders for Mitchell Starc. Initially, it seemed that Gujarat Titans had secured Starc, overshadowing Pat Cummins' deal. However, in a surprising turn, Gujarat Titans withdrew their bid, allowing Kolkata Knight Riders to bag Starc for a staggering amount of 24.75 crore, setting a new record in IPL history.

The bidding war had commenced with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Captains vying for Starc, with Rishabh Pant raising the paddle for Delhi. Eventually, DC backed out at 9.6 crore, and Kolkata Knight Riders entered the fray. While MI withdrew at 9.8 crore, Gujarat Titans joined the bidding process.

This event sparked excitement on social media as Starc surpassed Cummins to become the most expensive IPL Player.

 Mitchell Starc Last Played At IPL In 2015

Starc's ability to swing the ball at high speed and his variations in pace make him a prized asset. His last IPL appearance was in 2015 for Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he took 20 wickets in 13 games at an average of 14.55 and an economy rate of 6.76.

However, injuries and other factors kept the left-arm pacer out of the tournament since 2015. Starc had previously been signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018 for Rs. 9.40 crore but opted out due to injury.

Earlier in the day, Australian captain Pat Cummins was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.5 crore, setting the previous record for the most expensive purchase in IPL auction history. Another Australian quick, Josh Hazlewood, remained unsold.

Notable purchases in the IPL 2024 Auction included Daryl Mitchell (CSK, 14 crore), Harshal Patel (PBKS, 11.75 crore), Alzarri Joseph (RCB, 11.50 crore), Shivam Mavi (LSG, 6.40 crore), Rovman Powell (RR, Rs 7.40 crore), Travis Head (SRH, Rs 6.80 crore), and Harry Brook (DC, Rs 4 Crore).