As anticipated, the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction unfolded with a flurry of excitement as teams vied for top-tier talent to strengthen their squads. In a display of financial prowess, franchises engaged in fierce bidding wars, leading to remarkable acquisitions that made headlines and shattered records. Notably, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and emerging Indian talent Sameer Rizvi emerged as the most notable signings.
Let’s delve into the details of the auction, highlighting the 10 most expensive players who commanded eye-watering sums, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape:
1. Mitchell Starc to Kolkata Knight Riders (Price: Rs 24.75 Crore): Australian speedster Mitchell Starc scripted history by becoming the most expensive player in the IPL’s storied history. Kolkata Knight Riders secured his services for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore. The 33-year-old triggered a bidding war involving Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, KKR, and Gujarat Titans, ultimately clinching the title of the league’s costliest acquisition. Starc’s record-breaking purchase eclipsed the mark set just an hour earlier by Sunrisers Hyderabad, who secured Australia captain Pat Cummins for Rs 20.50 crore.
2. Pat Cummins to Sunrisers Hyderabad (Price: Rs 20.50 Crore): Fresh from leading Australia to triumph in The Ashes, the World Test Championship, and the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, all-rounder Pat Cummins found himself in high demand. Breaking the previous record held by Sam Curran (Rs 18.5 crore), Cummins became the most expensive player in IPL history. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings engaged in an early bidding war, with RCB entering the fray. However, it was Sunrisers Hyderabad that persisted and secured Cummins for an astonishing Rs 20.50 crore.
The 2024 IPL auction unfolded as a spectacle of financial firepower, with franchises sparing no expense to secure the best talent. The acquisitions of Starc and Cummins set new benchmarks, underlining the competitive spirit and financial strength of IPL franchises. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the forthcoming season, these high-profile signings are poised to add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the tournament.