IPL auction: Mitchell Starc becomes most expensive player at Indian Premier League

Australian bowler Mitchell Starc set a new record as the most expensive signing in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, securing a deal for 24.75 crore Indian rupees (£2.3 million) with the Kolkata Knight Riders. This broke the earlier record set on the same day when Pat Cummins was bought for 20.5 crore (£1.9 million). The fee surpassed the 18.15 crore (£1.85 million) paid for England’s Sam Curran in 2022.

In other developments, England bowler Chris Woakes was acquired by Punjab Kings for 4.2 crore (£400,000), while his compatriot Harry Brook joined the Delhi Capitals for 4 crore (£380,000), a decrease from his £1.35 million fee last year. New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell fetched 14 crore (£1.3 million) with the Chennai Super Kings, who also secured Rachin Ravindra for 1.8 crore (£170,000) after his impressive performance in the recent 50-over World Cup.

Australia’s recent title win heightened the demand for their players, evident in the intense bidding for captain Pat Cummins, who eventually joined Sunrisers Hyderabad. Mitchell Starc, despite an eight-year absence from the T20 competition, became the center of a bidding war between Mumbai Indians, Delhi, Gujarat Titans, and ultimately Kolkata Knight Riders.

Notable signings also included Australia’s Travis Head going to Sunrisers Hyderabad for 6.8 crore (£645,000) and West Indies quick Alzarri Joseph joining Royal Challengers Bangalore for 11.50 crore (£1.1 million). Rajasthan Royals secured all-rounder Rovman Powell for 7.40 crore (£702,000).

Several other players, including England’s Phil Salt and Adil Rashid, went unsold but could potentially be picked up later in the ongoing auction.