The intense bidding war at the IPL 2024 auction resulted in Australian pacer Mitchell Starc becoming the most expensive player ever in the league's history, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) securing his services for a whopping bid of INR 24.75 crores. This marked the first time ever that two players breached the 20 crore mark at the auction, with Starc's compatriot Pat Cummins being acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 20.50 crores. The auction also saw a total of 77 slots being filled by the 10 IPL teams, with all 30 overseas player quotas being claimed.
Mitchell Starc's Record-Breaking Acquisition by Kolkata Knight Riders
The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the 2024 season witnessed a historic bidding war that culminated in Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc becoming the most expensive player ever in the league's history.
Background
Mitchell Starc is widely regarded as one of the most potent bowlers in world cricket. His exceptional pace, swing, and accuracy have made him a formidable force in both domestic and international matches. In the previous IPL season, he represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and impressed with his performances.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been perennial underperformers in recent IPL seasons. They were keen to strengthen their bowling attack and saw Starc as the ideal candidate to bolster their fortunes.
Bidding Frenzy
As the auction commenced, a fierce bidding war erupted for Starc's services. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) started the bidding at INR 15 crores, but KKR quickly matched the offer. The price continued to escalate, with both teams determined to secure the Australian pacer.
Eventually, KKR emerged victorious, breaking the bank with a record-breaking bid of INR 24.75 crores. This surpassed the previous highest bid of INR 20.5 crores paid for Pat Cummins by SRH.
Significance
Starc's acquisition by KKR has far-reaching implications for the IPL. It demonstrates the growing importance of fast bowlers in T20 cricket and the willingness of teams to pay top dollar for top-tier talent.
Moreover, it underscores the increased competitiveness of the IPL, which is now firmly established as one of the most lucrative and prestigious cricket leagues in the world.
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