IPL 2024 Player Auction ventured beyond Indian shores for the first time. Conducted at the illustrious Coca Cola Arena in Dubai, the event witnessed a flurry of bidding activity as 10 teams vied to acquire talent for the upcoming season. In total, 72 players were snapped up, commanding a staggering sum of 230.45 crore rupees.
As the auction unfolded, records tumbled and history was made, with several of the most expensive buys in IPL history occurring during this landmark event. Here is the updated list of the top 10 most expensive buys in IPL auction history.
1. Mitchell Starc - ₹24.75 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2024)
Topping the charts, Mitchell Starc's acquisition in 2024 by Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering ₹24.75 Crores set a new record. The Australian fast bowler's return to the IPL was highly anticipated, and KKR’s hefty investment underscored their faith in his game-changing abilities.
2. Pat Cummins - ₹20.5 Crores (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2024)
Another Australian fast bowler, Pat Cummins, followed closely behind, fetching ₹20.5 Crores in the 2024 auction. His proven track record in international cricket and previous IPL stints made him one of the most coveted assets.
3. Sam Curran - ₹18.5 Crores (Punjab Kings, 2023)
English all-rounder Sam Curran's versatility and match-winning capabilities were rewarded by Punjab Kings with a hefty ₹18.5 Crores in 2023, making him one of the most expensive players in IPL history.
4. Cameron Green - ₹17.5 Crores (Mumbai Indians, 2023)
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green fetched ₹17.5 Crores from Mumbai Indians in 2023, underlining the high demand for versatile players who can impact the game in multiple dimensions.
5. Ben Stokes - ₹16.25 Crores (Chennai Super Kings, 2023)
England's Ben Stokes was acquired by Chennai Super Kings for ₹16.25 Crores in 2023, a testament to his reputation as a game-changer in the world of cricket.
6. Chris Morris - ₹16.25 Crores (Rajasthan Royals, 2021)
South African all-rounder Chris Morris was purchased by Rajasthan Royals for ₹16.25 Crores in 2021, making him, at the time, the most expensive player in IPL history.
7. Yuvraj Singh - ₹16 Crores (Delhi Daredevils, 2015)
Yuvraj Singh's move to Delhi Daredevils in 2015 for ₹16 Crores remains one of the most talked-about auctions, underscoring his enduring appeal and match-winning abilities.
8. Nicholas Pooran - ₹16 Crores (Lucknow Super Giants, 2023)
Nicholas Pooran, the explosive West Indies' wicketkeeper-batsman, went for ₹16 Crores to the Lucknow Super Giants in 2023, valued for his ability to dominate the middle overs.
9. Pat Cummins - ₹15.5 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2020)
Before his 2024 record, Pat Cummins was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹15.5 Crores in 2020, showcasing the consistent high demand for his pace bowling in the auction room.
10. Ishan Kishan - ₹15.25 Crores (Mumbai Indians, 2022)
Young Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan was brought back to Mumbai Indians in 2022 for ₹15.25 Crores, indicating the franchise's long-term faith in his abilities to lead the batting charge.
These top 10 auction buys illustrate the strategic imperatives and financial muscle of IPL franchises, as they vie for supremacy in the world's premier T20 league. The splurges on these players are not just bets on their talent, but investments in the hope of IPL glory, showcasing the blend of sports and commerce that defines the league.