Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins get 20-crore plus deals, top two expensive players of IPL History
In a dramatic turn of events at the IPL 2024 auction, the cricketing world witnessed the rewriting of history as Mitchell Starc etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League. The left-arm pacer, dormant in IPL action for eight years, made a sensational comeback, not just with his return to the league but by becoming the most expensive signing ever. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) sealed the deal with a jaw-dropping bid of INR 24.75 crores, a sum that reverberated through the cricketing cosmos.
Starc’s staggering signing amount eclipsed the previous record set earlier in the same auction when his compatriot, Pat Cummins, fetched INR 20.50 crores, marking a historic moment as the first time two players breached the INR 20 crore-mark in salary during the IPL auctions. The electrifying bidding war unfolded as Gujarat Titans challenged KKR’s pursuit of the Australian speedster, creating palpable excitement among the assembled audience at the Coca-Cola Stadium in Dubai.
The tale of Starc’s association with KKR began in 2018 when he was initially signed for a substantial INR 9.40 crores. Unfortunately, a leg fracture sidelined him that season, leading to his release amid contractual disputes with Cricket Australia. However, his resurgence in the auction spotlight eight years later showcased the undying allure of his cricketing prowess.
Immediately following the record-breaking bid, Starc expressed his exhilaration in a personalized video message for the passionate KKR fanbase. Eager to step onto the hallowed grounds of the Eden Gardens, he conveyed his anticipation of soaking in the electric atmosphere created by the home fans and crowd. The Aussie quick signed off with a spirited “Aami KKR,” establishing an instant connection with the fervent supporters.
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Adding a touch of humor to the post-auction saga, a video surfaced featuring Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, jubilantly celebrating her husband’s jackpot deal with a beer. Starc, acknowledging the shock of the staggering amount, revealed that Healy got wind of his windfall before he did, creating a heartwarming and light-hearted moment amid the high-stakes auction drama.
In a parallel storyline at the IPL 2024 auction, Pat Cummins, another luminary in the realm of Australian fast bowling, secured his place in the headlines as the highest-paid player in IPL history before Starc’s record-breaking bid. Cummins, auctioned to Sunrisers Hyderabad for an eye-watering INR 20.50 crores, marked a historic occurrence by being the first player to break the 20-crore barrier in IPL history.
Cummins’ consistent high valuation in the IPL was evident from his previous hefty contract of INR 15.50 crores with Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2019 auction. The IPL auction also witnessed his Australian teammate Travis Head securing a spot with SunRisers Hyderabad for Rs 6.8 crore.
Below is an extensive list of the most expensive players in the 15-year history of the Indian Premier League, highlighting the evolving landscape of cricket economics:
- Mitchell Starc: Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 24.75 crore in IPL 2024
- Pat Cummins: Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.50 crore in IPL 2024
- Sam Curran: Punjab Kings for Rs 18.50 crore in IPL 2023
- Cameron Green: Mumbai Indians for Rs 17.50 crore in IPL 2023
- Ben Stokes: Chennai Super Kings for Rs 16.25 crore in IPL 2023
- Chris Morris: Rajasthan Royals for Rs 16.25 crore in IPL 2021
- Nicolas Pooran: Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 16.00 crore in IPL 2023
- Yuvraj Singh: Delhi Daredevils for Rs 16.00 crore in IPL 2015
- Pat Cummins: Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 15.50 crore in IPL 2020
- Ishan Kishan: Mumbai Indians for Rs 15.25 crore in IPL 2022
- Kyle Jamieson: Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 15.00 crore in IPL 2021
- Ben Stokes: Rising Pune Supergiant for Rs 14.50 crore in IPL 2017
As the IPL continues to evolve, so does the narrative of player valuations, making each auction a spectacle of cricketing economics and unwavering fan enthusiasm.