The IPL 2024 Auction in Dubai witnessed fireworks as Australian stars Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc attracted massive bidding wars, shattering records within hours of the auction kick-off.
Within the initial two hours, Pat Cummins became the center of attention as four teams engaged in an intense bidding war, ultimately making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Sunrisers Hyderabad secured Cummins for a staggering INR 20.50 crore. However, the record-breaking spree continued as Mitchell Starc later entered the auction.
Starc, the seasoned Australian pacer, fetched a stunning INR 24.75 crore, finding a new home with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The bidding for both Cummins and Starc showcased the high demand for world-class talent, setting the stage for an electrifying IPL season.
Pat Cummins had earlier surpassed the record set by Sam Curran in the previous year, attracting bids from Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians before a fierce battle ensued between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Travis Head, another Australian cricketer who delivered clutch performances in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, joined Cummins at Sunrisers Hyderabad, securing a deal worth INR 6.80 crore.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders reunited with Mitchell Starc after five years, with the franchise winning the bid for the Australian pacer. Starc will join a star-studded KKR lineup, featuring players like Andre Russell, Jason Roy, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Sunil Narine.
Smart business moves were also witnessed, with Sunrisers Hyderabad acquiring the services of Wanindu Hasaranga, the No.3 ranked T20I bowler in the world, at a base price of INR 1.5 crore.
