IPL Auction 2024: Mitchell Starc stole the show by becoming the priciest player ever, snagging a whopping ₹24.75 crore deal with the Kolkata Knight Riders. This deal eclipsed Pat Cummins’ previous record of ₹20.50 crore when he joined Sunrisers Hyderabad. The auction turned into a nail-biting saga, featuring an initial tussle between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, followed by a heated battle between Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders that culminated in Starc’s historic signing.
Chennai Super Kings bagged uncapped Indian talent Sameer Rizwi for ₹8.4 crore, while Shubham Dubey found a home with Rajasthan Royals after a fierce bidding war with Delhi Capitals. Punjab Kings made waves by landing Harshal Patel for an eye-popping ₹11.75 crores, securing his position as the second-highest earner in the 2024 auction.
The auction also witnessed Mumbai Indians securing South African pacer Gerald Coetzee for ₹5 crores, following an intense bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. Coetzee, with an impressive performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, adds an exciting dynamic to the upcoming IPL season.
The Kiwi all-rounder Daryl Mitchell became the third IPL millionaire of the auction, clinching a ₹14 crores deal with Chennai Super Kings. The 16th season promises heightened competition, with franchises strategically crafting squads using the total spendable amount of ₹262.95 crore.
Gujarat Titans lead the financial race with ₹38.15 crore for eight slots, closely followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite being dubbed a ‘mini’ auction, the 2024 IPL Auction remains significant, drawing attention with its star-studded affair and providing teams the chance to fine-tune their lineups with a blend of experience and emerging talent.
With 77 slots up for grabs, this year’s auction pledges intense competition and strategic bidding, carrying on the tradition of high stakes and excitement that the IPL Auction has become synonymous with globally. The franchises, armed with substantial financial resources, are poised to create winning combinations for another thrilling season of the Indian Premier League.