IPL Auction Frenzy: Aussies Scorch, Cummins & Starc Shatter Records, Uncapped Indians Rise

Dubai: The IPL auction 2024 witnessed fireworks, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc setting the stage ablaze with record-breaking deals. Cummins, capped off a golden year with a staggering ₹20.50 crore bid from Sunrisers Hyderabad, becoming the most expensive foreign player in IPL history. However, his reign was short-lived as Aussie teammate Starc quickly dethroned him, fetching a jaw-dropping ₹24.75 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders for his first IPL stint in eight years.

Beyond the Aussie avalanche, bidding wars raged for other star players. Daryl Mitchell found himself in the midst of an intense bidding war, ultimately being secured by CSK for a substantial ₹14 crore, while Harshal Patel’s fierce yorkers earned him a ₹11.75 crore deal with Punjab Kings. Alzarri Joseph’s pace found takers in Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹11.50 crore. Australia’s World Cup hero, Travis Head, joined SRH for ₹6.80 crore, but experienced names like Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood remained unsold.

Among uncapped Indian players, Shubham Dubey, Shahrukh Khan, and Sameer Rizvi made significant splashes. CSK secured Rizvi for ₹8.40 crore, while Dubey joined RR for ₹5.8 crore. Shahrukh Khan became a valuable addition to GT, with a substantial bid of ₹7.40 crore.

The IPL 2024 auction was a rollercoaster ride of record-breaking bids, unexpected steals, and rising stars. With franchises bolstered and strategies laid, the stage is set for another enthralling season of cricket’s biggest spectacle.