The IPL 2024 mini-auction set numerous records as franchises, armed with ample funds and limited slots, aggressively pursued their desired players. With high-caliber players available, teams had the freedom to bid without constraints.
The auction kicked off with Rajasthan Royals (RR) making an impressive ₹7.4 crore bid for West Indies’ Rovman Powell. The momentum continued with substantial bids for players like Travis Head and Harry Brook.
Fast bowlers emerged as significant beneficiaries at the 2024 IPL auction, securing unprecedented and astonishing bids. While a few players surprisingly went for amounts below their actual value, others, as expected, were sold for inflated sums, influenced by the challenging dynamics of the auction.
The top five costliest signings from the IPL 2024 auction:
#5 Mitchell Starc – KKR (₹24.75 crore)
Australian bowler Mitchell Starc, despite prioritizing international duty, generated significant interest for the 2024 IPL season. Keen on using the IPL as preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Starc triggered a bidding war, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) heavily involved.
After an intense bidding battle, Mitchell Starc secured a record ₹24.75 crore deal, with the 2022 IPL champions eventually stepping back. Interestingly, Starc had previously signed with KKR for ₹9.4 crore in 2018 but couldn’t play due to injury.
#4 Pat Cummins – SRH (₹20.50 crore)
Australian captain briefly held the IPL record with a ₹20.50 crore bid from SunRisers Hyderabad, surpassing Sam Curran’s ₹18.25 crore. Cummins was the most expensive pick in 2020 for KKR with a ₹16.25 crore bid. However, his record at the 2024 auction was overtaken by his teammate Mitchell Starc.
SunRisers Hyderabad becomes the fourth IPL franchise for the Australian pacer, adding to his previous stints with Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Kolkata Knight Riders.
#3 Daryl Mitchell – CSK (₹14 crore)
The New Zealand all-rounder, coming off an impressive 2023 ODI World Cup, triggered a bidding war between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). Ultimately, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured the last laugh with a winning bid of ₹14 crore.
Mitchell is now the fourth New Zealand player in the current CSK squad, joining Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra. Mitchell played for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 IPL, making two appearances and scoring 33 runs before being released.
#2 Harshal Patel – PBKS (₹11.75 crore)
The specialist in death overs secured a higher bid than in the previous 2022 mega-auction and has now joined the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the upcoming season with a bid of ₹11.75 crore by the 2014 IPL finalists.
Despite being the 2021 IPL Purple Cap winner, Harshal Patel had a challenging 2023 season, leading to his release by RCB. Both Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) tried to secure Patel’s services, but PBKS made the final bid, enhancing their bowling unit.
#1 Alzarri Joseph – RCB (₹11.50 crore)
The formidable West Indies fast bowler played a pivotal role in Gujarat Titans’ (GT) championship victory in 2022. However, his performance in the 2023 season was subpar due to injuries and competition from Josh Little, leading to his release by the franchise before the mini-auction.
Alzarri Joseph, known for his standout T20I performance against England, initiated a bidding war between RCB and LSG. Eventually, RCB secured him for ₹11.50 crore. He had previously represented Mumbai Indians, claiming 20 wickets in 19 matches at an economy rate of 9.19.
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