Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction by becoming the most expensive player, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) securing him for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore. Starc, returning to the IPL after eight years, triggered an intense bidding war, with KKR ultimately outbidding Gujarat Titans to secure his services. The auction also saw West Indian speedster Alzarri Joseph being bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Rs 11.5 crore, and Indian cricketer Chetan Sakariya going to KKR for Rs 50 lakh. Sri Lanka's Dilshan Madushanka, the most expensive player in the Lankan Premier League, was secured by Mumbai Indians for Rs 4.6 crore.
Key Points:
1. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction by becoming the most expensive player, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquiring him for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore.
2. Starc, a left-arm pacer, returned to the IPL after an eight-year absence, sparking a bidding war that saw the price escalate dramatically.
3. Mumbai Indians initially led the bidding at Rs 9.60 crore, but KKR joined the fray with a bid of Rs 9.80 crore. The competition intensified as the bid surpassed Rs 10.00 crore.
4. The Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans engaged in a fierce battle, with KKR holding their ground at Rs 18.75 crore. However, the Gujarat Titans made an audacious bid of Rs 20.50 crore.
5. Kolkata Knight Riders responded with a calculated bid of Rs 20.75 crore, but the Gujarat Titans countered with Rs 23.50 crore.
6. Eventually, Kolkata Knight Riders secured Mitchell Starc with a winning bid of Rs 24.75 crore, making him the IPL's most expensive acquisition.
7. West Indian speedster Alzarri Joseph was bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Rs 11.5 crore in another intense bidding war.
8. CSK and Lucknow Supergiants competed for Joseph, with CSK emerging victorious with a bid of Rs 11.5 crore.
9. Indian player Chetan Sakariya was acquired by KKR for Rs 50 lakh, Umesh Yadav went to Gujarat Titans for Rs 5.8 crore, and Shivam Mavi joined Lucknow Supergiants for Rs 6.4 crore.
10. Sri Lanka's Dilshan Madushanka, the most expensive player in the Lankan Premier League, was secured by Mumbai Indians for Rs 4.6 crore after a bidding war initiated by Lucknow Supergiants.
(With Agency Inputs)
