Dubai witnessed an intense bidding battle at the IPL 2024 Auction, where Pat Cummins, the victorious captain of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, and his teammate Mitchell Starc, became the center of attention.
The IPL 2024 Auction in Dubai, a gateway to the world’s premier T20 league leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set the stage for unprecedented records within a mere two hours.
Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper, became the IPL’s priciest player, breaking the previous record, only to be outdone later by compatriot Mitchell Starc.
Sunrisers Hyderabad secured Cummins for a staggering INR 20.50 crore, making him the highest-paid player of the season. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc joined Kolkata Knight Riders for an impressive INR 24.75 crore, surpassing Cummins’ record.
Cummins, who led Australia to a historic sixth ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup title, attracted fierce bidding from Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians before Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad entered the fray.
In another gripping tussle, Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans vied for Starc, with the latter withdrawing at INR 24.75 crore, sealing the deal for KKR.
Travis Head, the clutch performer in the World Cup semi-final and final, will join Cummins at Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 6.80 crore.
Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, welcomed back Starc after five years, adding him to a formidable lineup featuring Andre Russell, Jason Roy, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Sunil Narine.
Sunrisers Hyderabad made a strategic move by acquiring the No.3 ranked T20I bowler, Wanindu Hasaranga, at a base price of INR 1.5 crore.
Chennai Super Kings secured New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell for a hefty INR 14 crore, while emerging star Rachin Ravindra joined for a shrewd INR 1.80 crore.
Other notable signings included West Indies T20I captain Rovman Powell to the Rajasthan Royals for INR 7.40 crore and South African pacer Gerald Coetzee, who will don the Mumbai Indians jersey after a successful bid of INR 5 crore.
Capped Indian players were also in high demand, with Punjab Kings securing the services of wily pacer Harshal Patel for INR 11.75 crores.
Shardul Thakur will return to Chennai Super Kings after an INR 4 crore bid, outbidding Sunrisers Hyderabad for the Indian pacer.
