The IPL Auction 2024 witnessed an exhilarating display of bidding wars and record-breaking deals. Australian pace sensation Mitchell Starc made history as the most expensive player ever to be sold in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured his services for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore, surpassing the previous record set by Pat Cummins, who was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs 20.50 crore. This year’s auction, held in Dubai, showcased intense competition among the franchises as they sought to bolster their squads with top talent from around the world.
Mitchell Starc’s Record-Breaking Deal
Mitchell Starc’s return to the IPL after an eight-year hiatus created a buzz among the franchises. The left-arm fast bowler’s exceptional skills and reputation as one of the best in the world made him a highly sought-after player. The Kolkata Knight Riders emerged as the winners of the bidding war, securing Starc for a record-breaking price of Rs 24.75 crore. This landmark deal not only highlighted Starc’s value but also demonstrated KKR’s determination to strengthen their bowling attack.
Pat Cummins’ Huge Price Tag
Pat Cummins, the World Cup-winning captain and another Australian pace sensation, fetched the second-highest bid in IPL history. The Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired his services for a substantial sum of Rs 20.50 crore. Cummins’ ability to consistently clock high speeds and deliver match-winning performances made him a prized asset for any team. The bidding war for Cummins witnessed intense competition between franchises, with archrivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) initially vying for his signature. Ultimately, SRH secured his services with a significant investment.
Noteworthy Deals and Surprises
Several other players commanded significant price tags and generated excitement among fans. Daryl Mitchell, the New Zealand all-rounder, attracted attention with his impressive performances, eventually being bought by CSK for Rs 14 crore. Harshal Patel, an Indian pacer, became the costliest Indian player in this year’s auction, joining the Punjab Kings for a hefty price of Rs 11.75 crore. The Punjab Kings also made a big splash by acquiring South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw for Rs 8 crore.
Unsold Players and Surprising Omissions
While many players found lucrative deals, some notable names remained unsold. Steve Smith, the former Australian captain, failed to attract any bids, as did Karun Nair, Rilee Rossouw, and Manish Pandey. The absence of these players from the auction surprised many, given their previous contributions to the league. However, the dynamic nature of the IPL auction means that not every player finds a buyer, highlighting the competitive nature of the league and the preferences of the franchises.
Full List of Sold Players
Here is a comprehensive list of players who secured deals during the IPL Auction 2024:
| Player Name | Country | Base Price (in ₹) | Sold Price (in ₹) | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | 2 crore | 24.75 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | 2 crore | 20.50 crore | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | 1 crore | 14 crore | Chennai Super Kings |
| Harshal Patel | India | 2 crore | 11.75 crore | Punjab Kings |
| Alzarri Joseph | West Indies | 1 crore | 11.50 crore | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Rovman Powell | West Indies | 1 crore | 7.40 crore | Rajasthan Royals |
| Travis Head | Australia | 2 crore | 6.80 crore | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Shivam Mavi | India | 50 lakh | 6.40 crore | Lucknow Super Giants |
| Umesh Yadav | India | 2 crore | 5.80 crore | Gujarat Titans |
| Gerald Coetzee | South Africa | 2 crore | 5 crore | Mumbai Indians |
| Dilshan Madushanka | Sri Lanka | 50 lakh | 4.60 crore | Mumbai Indians |
| Chris Woakes | England | 2 crore | 4.20 crore | Punjab Kings |
| Harry Brook | England | 2 crore | 4 crore | Delhi Capitals |
| Shardul Thakur | India | 2 crore | 4 crore | Chennai Super Kings |
| Rachin Ravindra | New Zealand | 50 lakh | 1.80 crore | Chennai Super Kings |
| Jaydev Unadkat | India | 50 lakh | 1.60 crore | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | 1.5 crore | 1.5 crore | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Afghanistan | 50 lakh | 50 lakh | Gujarat Titans |
| Tristan Stubbs | South Africa | 50 lakh | 50 lakh | Delhi Capitals |
| KS Bharat | India | 50 lakh | 50 lakh | Kolkata Knight Riders |
The IPL Auction 2024 was a landmark event that witnessed record-breaking deals and intense bidding wars. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins became the highest-priced players in IPL history, with Starc securing a monumental deal with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The auction also showcased surprises, with notable players remaining unsold. Overall, the auction highlighted the significance of player acquisitions in shaping the composition of teams and setting the stage for an exciting and fiercely competitive IPL season ahead.
Additional Information: The IPL Auction 2024 took place in Dubai on December 19, 2023. The auction featured 332 players vying for 77 available slots across ten teams. The event attracted attention from fans and pundits alike, as franchises sought to assemble the most formidable squads for the upcoming season.