The IPL auctions are the epicenter of cricketing drama, where franchises engage in fierce bidding wars to secure marquee players. Over the years, these auctions have witnessed astronomical sums being shelled out for players who promise to be game-changers. The IPL 2024 auction turned into an expensive affair, with players going for jaw-dropping amounts like 24 crores and 20 crores. Surprisingly, a debutant, initially priced at 20 lakhs, was eventually sold for a remarkable 8.4 crores. Let’s delve into the history books and explore the top 10 most expensive buys in IPL auction history.
IPL 2024: Top 10 Most Expensive Player in Indian Premier League
Explore the elite league of the costliest IPL stars, including Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. Unravel the history, drama, and surprises of these top acquisitions.
1. Mitchell Starc – Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 24.75 Crore (2024)
The 2024 auctions saw the Kolkata Knight Riders break the bank to acquire the services of the Australian pace sensation, Mitchell Starc, for a whopping Rs 24.75 Crore. Starc’s ability to rattle opposition batsmen with his pace and swing makes him a strategic investment for the Knights. Breaking records and wallets alike, Mitchell Starc emerges as the crowned king of the IPL auction, securing his status as the most expensive player in the IPL history.
2. Pat Cummins – Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 20.50 Crore (2024)
In the same auction, the Sunrisers Hyderabad secured the services of another Australian speedster, Pat Cummins, for Rs 20.50 Crore. Cummins’ lethal bowling and his knack for contributing crucial runs down the order make him a valuable asset for the Sunrisers. Mitchell Starc’s counterpart, Pat Cummins, becomes the second most expensive buy in IPL auction history.
3. Sam Curran – Punjab Kings – Rs 18.50 Crore (2023)
The Punjab Kings made headlines in 2023 by shelling out Rs 18.50 Crore for the dynamic English all-rounder, Sam Curran. His ability to swing the ball upfront and play impactful cameos with the bat positions Curran as a versatile asset for the Kings.
4. Cameron Green – Mumbai Indians – Rs 17.50 Crore (2023)
The Mumbai Indians, known for their shrewd picks, invested Rs 17.50 Crore in Australian all-rounder Cameron Green in the 2023 auction. Green’s towering presence and all-round skills make him a potential match-winner for the defending champions.
5. Ben Stokes – Chennai Super Kings – Rs 16.25 Crore (2023)
Chennai Super Kings made a statement in 2023 by acquiring the services of the English dynamo, Ben Stokes, for Rs 16.25 Crore. Stokes’ ability to turn the game on its head with both bat and ball adds a new dimension to the Super Kings’ lineup. Stokes was very unlucky, facing a major injury midway through the tournament after playing only two games
6. Chris Morris – Rajasthan Royals – Rs 16.25 Crore (2021)
In 2021, Chris Morris became the costliest buy in IPL history when the Rajasthan Royals secured him for Rs 16.25 Crore. Morris’ all-round prowess, especially his death-overs bowling and explosive batting, made him a hot commodity.
7. Yuvraj Singh – Delhi Daredevils – Rs 16 Crore (2015)
Back in 2015, the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) made a splash by bagging the veteran Indian batsman, Yuvraj Singh, for Rs 16 Crore. Yuvraj’s experience and ability to clear the boundaries were seen as assets for the Daredevils. According to numerous cricket experts, Yuvraj Singh is often considered the most overrated player in the history of Indian Premier League
8. Nicholas Pooran – Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 16 Crore (2023)
The Lucknow Super Giants entered the IPL arena in 2022 and a year lated they secured West Indian power-hitter Nicholas Pooran for Rs 16 Crore. Pooran’s ability to decimate bowling attacks and his electric fielding make him a high-impact player.
9. Pat Cummins – Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 15.50 Crore (2020)
In the 2020 auction, Pat Cummins featured again, this time donning the colors of the Kolkata Knight Riders. The franchise invested Rs 15.50 Crore in Cummins, highlighting his significance as a leader of their bowling attack. He is the only player to appear twice in the list of the most expensive players in IPL history.
10. Ishan Kishan – Mumbai Indians – Rs 15.25 Crore (2022)
The Mumbai Indians retained their explosive young talent, Ishan Kishan, for Rs 15.25 Crore in the 2022 auction making him the highest bid Indian wicketkeeper. Kishan’s aggressive batting and agile wicketkeeping make him a key player in the Mumbai Indians’ setup.
As we eagerly await the start of IPL 2024, scheduled for the first week of April, the anticipation is high for these high-profile acquisitions to justify their hefty price tags and deliver electrifying performances on the grand stage of T20 cricket. The evolution of these players from auction sensations to on-field maestros adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming IPL season.
