In a spectacular turn of events at the Indian Premier League auction, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, a key player in Australia’s triumphs in both the 50-over World Cup last month and the 2021 T20 World Cup, has shattered records by becoming the IPL’s priciest buy. Snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders, Starc’s deal closed at a whopping 24.75 crore Indian rupees (£2.3m), surpassing the previous record set earlier that day.
This record was initially held by Pat Cummins, Starc’s fellow Australian World Cup winner, who fetched a handsome 20.5 cr (£1.9m) before Starc’s deal came into the picture. Cummins’ bid had itself outdone the 18.15 cr (£1.85m) paid for England’s Sam Curran in 2022.
In other significant transactions, England’s Chris Woakes joined Punjab Kings while Harry Brook was taken by Delhi Capitals. Woakes was acquired for 4.2 cr (£400,000) and Brook for 4 cr (£380,000), a notable decrease from his last year’s £1.35m price tag.
Chennai Super Kings made a strategic move by signing New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell for 14 cr (£1.3m) and his compatriot Rachin Ravindra, a rising star after his performance in the recent 50-over World Cup, for 1.8 cr (£170,000).
The auction room witnessed astonishment when bids for Australia’s captain and bowler Cummins soared past 20 cr, marking a first in IPL auction history. Starc, 33, returning to the T20 arena after an eight-year hiatus, sparked a fierce bidding war, eventually won by KKR.
Cummins, aged 30, joined Sunrisers Hyderabad following intense competition, primarily with Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Sunrisers also secured Travis Head, the standout player in Australia’s World Cup final victory over India, for 6.8 cr (£645,000).
Royal Challengers Bangalore invested 11.50 cr (£1.1m) in West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph and acquired Rovman Powell for 7.40 cr (£702,000) from Rajasthan Royals. Mumbai Indians added South African Gerald Coetzee and Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka to their squad for 5 cr (£473,000) and 4.6 cr (£435,000), respectively.
Punjab Kings bolstered their lineup by signing Indian pacer Harshal Patel for 11.75 cr (£1.1m). Meanwhile, England’s Phil Salt and leg-spinner Adil Rashid, unsold in the initial rounds, remain potential picks for later stages of the auction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about IPL Auction 2023
Who became the most expensive player in IPL 2023 auction?
Australian bowler Mitchell Starc set a record at the IPL 2023 auction, becoming the most expensive player ever purchased in IPL history. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering 24.75 crore Indian rupees (£2.3m).
Which team bought Pat Cummins in the IPL 2023 auction?
Pat Cummins, another prominent Australian player, was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 20.5 crore Indian rupees (£1.9m) during the IPL 2023 auction.
Did any other notable players get signed in the IPL 2023 auction?
Yes, several notable players were signed during the IPL 2023 auction. These include England’s Chris Woakes and Harry Brook, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, and West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph and Rovman Powell.
How did Mitchell Starc’s IPL 2023 auction price compare to previous records?
Mitchell Starc’s IPL 2023 auction price of 24.75 crore Indian rupees (£2.3m) broke the previous record held by Pat Cummins, who was sold for 20.5 crore Indian rupees (£1.9m) earlier in the same auction.
Were there any unsold players in the IPL 2023 auction?
Yes, England players Phil Salt and leg-spinner Adil Rashid were initially unsold in the IPL 2023 auction, but they remained potential picks for later stages of the auction.
More about IPL Auction 2023
- IPL 2023 Auction Highlights
- Mitchell Starc Record Signing
- Kolkata Knight Riders Team Roster
- Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Strategy
- Notable IPL Auction Signings
- IPL Auction Unsold Players List
5 comments
Cummins and Starc showing the power of Aussie cricket, both fetching huge prices! IPL’s getting more exciting.
These prices are insane! How does this even fit into the team’s budgets? IPL’s just a money game now.
As a KKR fan, super excited to see Starc in action! We needed a bowler like him. Fingers crossed for this season.
Can’t believe Salt and Rashid didn’t get picked up initially. They’re top players, what are the teams thinking?
wow, Mitchell Starc for 24.75 cr! KKR really went all out this time, didn’t they? hope he lives up to the price tag.