Mumbai: Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has become the most expensive buy in IPL history. The 33-year-old, with a base price of ₹2 crore, has been bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹24.75 crore in IPL 2024 auction. Starc broke his compatriot Pat Cummins’ record. Cummins was bought by SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹20.5 crore, more than 1.5 hours ago
Starc was up for bidding in the fourth set of the day’s opening set for fast bowlers, and the battle for him began between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. However, it was quickly taken over by Gujarat Titans and KKR, the only franchises with more than INR 30 crore remaining in their bank accounts at the time, and KKR won the final bid.
Starc last appeared in an IPL auction in 2018, when he was signed by KKR for INR 9.4 crore. He didn’t participate that season, however, due to injury; in fact, he hasn’t played in the IPL since 2015.
“It’s obviously humbling to still, I guess, feel like I’m wanted or, or needed anyway, I guess,” Starc told Jio Cinema after his bid. “So hopefully that experience that I’ve had for a few years now can translate into success in… obviously leading up to the IPL and, hopefully, add some of that to the KKR list.”
“Pumped to be joining SRH for the upcoming IPL season,” Cummins said after he was sold. “I’ve heard a lot about the Orange Army, I’ve played at Hyderabad a few times and always loved it, so can’t wait to get started. Great to see another Aussie in Trav Head over there as well. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun this season, and hopefully plenty of success.”
Prior to Starc’s record bid, Sunrisers had spent INR 20.50 crore (about US$2,470,000) to secure Cummins, beating out Royal Challengers Bangalore for his services. Cummins’ fee had eclipsed the INR 18.50 crore paid by Punjab Kings for England allrounder Sam Curran at the 2023 IPL auction. Cummins skipped the 2023 IPL to focus on international cricket; his last auction price was INR 15.50 crore, when he was signed by KKR in 2020.
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