'It Was A Shock...': Mitchell Starc Reacts To 24.75 Crore Purchase By KKR In IPL Auction 2024

Mitchell Starc became the costliest purchase in the history of the IPL when KKR bagged him for Rs 24.75 Crore.

Australia's Mitchell Starc. (File Photo)

Source : Getty

Mitchell Starc became the most-expensive purchase at an auction in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Australia's left-arm pacer was eventually bagged by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at a price of Rs 24.75 Crore. While the 20-crore mark had not been breached even once before the IPL Auction 2024 in Dubai, it was breached twice on Tuesday with Pat Cummins being bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs 20.50 crore and briefly being the costliest buy ever before being surpassed by his compatriot Starc.

Much like cricket fans around the world and those following the development closely, Starc was also shocked. He revealed the same in an interaction with Jio Cinema post the historic bid. Notably, IPL 2024 will be the first time in 8 years that Starc will be plying his trade in the tournament.

Wife Gave Updates Before I Could See It On Screen: Starc

"It's been a little while since I've been involved, but I'm really excited to get my name in the auction and to be joining KKR this upcoming season. So, yeah, thrilled to be joining," Starc told Jio Cinema.

Starc is back and HOW! 🔥#IPLAuction's costliest player shares his thoughts after his big 💸 move to @KKRiders 🎙

Keep watching #IPLAuctiononJioCinema, streaming NOW!#IPLonJioCinema #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/R1McnGfI7v

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) December 19, 2023

"Yeah, it was a shock, if you call it. But, my wife, Alyssa Healy, is actually over in India with the women's team. And I think their coverage was slightly ahead of mine in Australia. So I was getting updates before I could see it on the screen. So, yeah, just as I said, pretty well, surprised, but, thrilled to be back involved in the IPL this coming season. And, yeah, really excited to be joining KKR," he added.

While initially there were other teams that were keen on including Starc as the bid soared over the 10-crore mark, it was more of a tussle between KKR and Gujarat Titans (GT) who both had the money in their purse to go after him. As it turned out, GT bailed out when KKR bid 24.75 crore.