Starc and Cummins became the most expensive players in IPL history
Australian cricketers secured historic contracts in the auction, eclipsing the record signing of England's Sam Curran in 2022.
In a groundbreaking move, Australia's Mitchell Starc emerged as the costliest signing in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), surpassing teammate Pat Cummins' record deal just hours earlier at the auction.
Starc, a left-arm pacer returning to the IPL after an eight-year hiatus, was secured by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering $2.98 million on Tuesday. The franchise jubilantly exclaimed, "We won, Mr. Starc!" on X, celebrating their successful bid that outpaced the sum paid by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Cummins, standing at $2.46 million.
Pat Cummins, fresh from leading Australia to the 50-overs World Cup title in India, entered the auction with a base price of 20 million Indian rupees ($240,458). Despite initial interest from IPL heavyweights Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, both withdrew from the bidding war. Royal Challengers Bangalore pursued Cummins vigorously, but it was 2016 champions Hyderabad who secured the fast bowler, emphasizing his dual role as a valuable lower-order hitter and a potential leadership option, though the team's head coach, Daniel Vettori, remained tight-lipped on that matter.
Vettori stated, “There’s a lot of cricket left before the IPL. We’ll have to get through that, and then we’ll make a decision closer to that time.”
Marking his return after an eight-year absence, left-arm quick Starc garnered substantial attention, with Mumbai and Delhi initially vying for his services. However, Kolkata ultimately outbid Gujarat Titans, securing the 33-year-old's services. Kolkata's chief executive, Venky Mysore, justified their aggressive pursuit, noting, "You should expect this. Because IPL is growing, salary caps will grow and so will player fees."
In another notable deal, New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell struck it rich as Chennai acquired the batting all-rounder for 140 million rupees ($1.68 million), a remarkable tenfold increase from his base price.
India seamer Harshal Patel also joined the millionaires' club, clinching a deal with Punjab Kings for 117.5 million rupees ($1.4 million). Notably, this auction was held outside India for the first time.
The Indian Cricket Board has not officially announced the dates, but the upcoming IPL is expected to take place between March and May next year. Among the unsold players were former Australia captain Steve Smith and England spinner Adil Rashid.
