Dubai, Dec. 19: In the third round of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction conducted here on Tuesday, Australia bowler Mitchell Starc broke the record after being purchased by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for an astounding Rs 24.75 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
After an eight-year hiatus, Australian left-arm bowler Starc is making his IPL comeback. Excitement was in the air in the auction room as the bidding battle intensified and the price tag quickly shot up to above Rs 7 crore.
The bidding war was taken over by the Mumbai Indians, who took a commanding lead at Rs. 9.60 crore. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a stunning entrance into the competition with an offer of Rs. 9.80 crore, just when it seemed like they were in control. Not to be left behind, the Gujarat Titans joined the fierce race as the offer surpassed the Rs. 10 crore threshold.
With resolute conviction, the Kolkata Knight Riders took a risk and held their ground at Rs. 18.75 crore. The Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, broke new boundaries and created the opportunity for the player to possibly become the most expensive asset in the league with their bold proposal of Rs. 20.50 crore.
Unwilling to give up, the Kolkata Knight Riders placed the highest-ever IPL purchase price of Rs. 20.75 crore for the pacer, making him the most expensive player ever.
Unwilling to give up, the Gujarat Titans quickly replied with an offer of Rs. 23.50 crore, igniting a frenzy in the auction room.
The player was eventually acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders with a winning price of Rs. 24.75 crore, to much clapping and cheering.
Royal Chalengers Bangalore (CSK) acquired West Indian speedster Alzarri Joseph for a sum of Rs 11.5 crore. The young, explosive fast bowler, who was well-known for his lightning-quick speed and knack for shaking the stumps, found himself at the center of an intense bidding battle that had spectators on the edge of their seats.
CSK showed their interest in the gifted West Indian by placing the first bid on Joseph as soon as the auctioneer’s voice filled the room. Joseph was the focus of attention as the bidding war played out. Joseph had previously worked for JSK in the South African T20 competition.
The Delhi Capitals (DC) were eager to hold onto this possible game-changer, so they jumped right into the melee. The Deccan Chargers put forth the highest offer at 3 crore, indicating their desire to acquire Joseph’s talents as the bidding quickly heated up.
When the Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) entered the picture and propelled the bid beyond the 4- and 5-crore thresholds, the excitement surged to unprecedented heights.
Joseph, a 13th-round CPL choice who could hit two bouncers in an over and accelerate the speedometer to over 140 kph, had become one of the most sought-after players in the IPL auction room in an instant.
LSG took the lead and increased the offer to 6.4 crore, keen to strengthen their bowling assault. But when Andy Flower, a former Zimbabwean cricket player and coach who had previously coached Joseph at St Lucia Kings in the CPL, joined the picture, things took an unexpected turn. After the reunion, there was a frenzy of bidding, and Joseph’s price quickly shot up to an astounding 10 crore.
With a massive price of 11.5 crore, RCB, who is renowned for its aggressive tactics, outbid LSG and took the lead in obtaining Joseph’s services.
As CSK considered their alternatives and realized they were running out of financial ammunition, the room became quiet. When the gavel finally dropped, Alzarri Joseph’s career took a significant turn when he was formally sold to RCB for 11.5 crore.
Indian Chetan Sakariya was sold to KKR for Rs 50 lakh; GT paid Rs 5.8 crore for Umesh Yadav; and LSG paid Rs 6.4 crore for Shivam Mavi’s services.
As LSG launched the bidding war, Dilshan Madushanka, the most expensive player in the Lankan Premier League (LPL) and a left-arm bowler from Sri Lanka, joined it at 50 lakh. When Mumbai Indians joined the fight, the price was increased to Rs 3 crore. Following a fierce battle between LSG and MI, Mahela Jayawardene prevailed by maintaining composure and securing Madushanka’s services for a whopping Rs 4.6 crore.
