Mitchell Starc etched his name in the annals of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, securing his status as the highest-paid player in the tournament’s history. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged as the triumphant bidder, shelling out an astronomical Rs. 24.75 crore to acquire the services of the stellar Australian pacer. This feat surpassed the earlier record set by his compatriot and Australian captain, Pat Cummins, earlier in the same day.
A fierce bidding tussle unfolded initially involving the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Mumbai Indians (MI). Starc’s entry into the fray sparked a bidding war between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Gujarat Titans (GT), both armed with an impressive Rs. 30 crore in their auction purses. Ultimately, KKR clinched the deal as GT refrained from placing a Rs. 25 crore bid.
The day witnessed Starc surpassing Cummins’ record, with Cummins having been procured by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a substantial Rs. 20.5 crore. Notably, this auction marked a notable escalation in player valuations, as Sam Curran’s Rs. 18.5 crore acquisition by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2022 mini-auction had previously held the record.
This marked Starc’s second stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders, the first being in 2018 when he was secured for Rs. 9.40 crore. Unfortunately, Starc had to withdraw from the tournament that year due to a stress fracture, and he was subsequently released ahead of the 2019 season. The 2024 auction thus marked Starc’s return to the IPL bidding scene after this hiatus.
Despite his limited IPL appearances, Starc’s cricketing legacy remains illustrious, contributing significantly to Australia’s success. His previous stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2014 and 2015 saw him play 27 matches, amassing an impressive tally of 34 wickets. Notably, Starc played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumph in the 2023 World Cup, underscoring his status as one of the nation’s greatest pacers.
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