Mitchell Starc, now the IPL’s priciest player, shared his response after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired him for a staggering ₹24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai on December 19.
The Australian left-arm seamer secured the title of the highest-paid player after a competitive bidding battle involving Gujarat Titans (GT), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Mumbai Indians (MI), surpassing his compatriot Pat Cummins (₹20.5 crore).
In a video posted by KKR on Instagram, Starc conveyed his joy about joining the Kolkata Knight Riders. He stated:
“Hey, KKR! I’m thrilled to be joining the team for this year’s IPL and I can’t wait to get to Eden Gardens to experience the home fans, the home crowd, and the atmosphere. Look forward to seeing you then. Ami KKR.”
Starc, with a recent performance of 16 wickets in 10 games at an economy rate of 6.06 in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and a T20I record of 170 wickets in 121 matches at an economy rate of 7.45, brings valuable all-round skills.
He has previously played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (2014-17) and KKR (2018), securing 34 wickets in 24 matches at an economy rate of 7.17.
“Daya kuch to gadbad hai” – Mohammad Kaif’s reaction to Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins being bought for over ₹20 crore in the IPL 2024 auction
Mohammad Kaif expressed astonishment as KKR and SunRisers Hyderabad acquired Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins for over ₹20 crores each in the IPL 2024 auction. The ex-cricketer, now a commentator, highlighted that the prize money for the 2024 IPL winners would be less than what these players received.
Starc and Cummins surpassed the previous record purchase of Sam Curran, who was acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹18.5 crore in the preceding auction.
Kaif shared on X (formerly Twitter): “IPL winning team gets Rs 20 cr. Pat Cummins: Rs 20.5 crore. Mitchell Starc: Rs 24.75 crore. Daya kuch toh gadbad hai.”
According to reports, Australian cricketers are expected to be fully available for the entire IPL 2024 season, unlike their counterparts from England.
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