In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions, the 2024 event in Dubai was a spectacle of record-breaking bids and strategic acquisitions. Among the stars who shone the brightest were Australian cricketing sensations Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, who not only broke the bank but also set new benchmarks in the history of IPL salaries.
Mitchell Starc, known for his lethal pace and swing, made a triumphant return to the IPL after a hiatus, with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) securing his services for an astounding Rs 24.75 crore. This deal not only made him the most expensive player in the 2024 auction but also the priciest buy in the entire history of the league. Starc’s acquisition was a strategic move by KKR, as they outbid other franchises, including the Gujarat Titans, to bring the left-arm quick into their fold. The price tag was nearly twelve times his base price of Rs 2 crore, reflecting the premium placed on his ability to dominate in the T20 format.
Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper and World Cup-winning hero, wasn’t far behind in the financial windfall. The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) won a fierce bidding war against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), purchasing Cummins for Rs 20.5 crore. This made him the second-most expensive player at the auction and underscored the value placed on fast bowlers in the league.
The auction also highlighted the impact of meticulous scouting, as uncapped Indian players attracted significant interest and lucrative deals. Players like Sameer Rizvi, who had previously gone unsold, were now in the spotlight, with the Chennai Super Kings investing Rs 8.4 crore in the young talent from Uttar Pradesh. Rizvi’s impressive performance in the UP T20 league had clearly caught the eye of the scouts, leading to his big payday.
However, RCB’s quest to upgrade their bowling unit seemed to fall short post-auction. While they did secure four pacers, including Alzarri Joseph for Rs 11.50 crore and Lockie Ferguson for Rs 2 crore, the overall composition of their bowling lineup raised questions. Their inability to win the bid for Pat Cummins, who could have been a game-changing addition, was seen as a missed opportunity.
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