Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins set new records in IPL Auction : In a jaw-dropping turn of events at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Dubai on Tuesday night, Australia’s cricketing duo Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc stole the spotlight by rewriting the record books for player payouts.
Cummins’ Record-Breaking Triumph
Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, clinched the title of the highest-paid player in IPL history after the Kolkata Knight Riders secured his services for a staggering A$4.43 million (£2.35 million). This monumental sum eclipsed the previous record set just moments earlier when Sunrisers Hyderabad secured Cummins for A$3.67 million. Cummins, who led Australia to a sensational ODI World Cup victory over India, had opted out of the IPL in the previous year due to a jam-packed international schedule.
- Skipper goes for A$3.67m, but record eclipsed by paceman’s A$4.43m
- Sunrisers Hyderabad also snap up Travis Head
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Starc’s Hour of Glory : Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins set new records in IPL Auction
However, the dust had barely settled on Cummins’ groundbreaking deal when Mitchell Starc, Cummins’ teammate, soared past the record an hour later. Starc, the veteran paceman, commanded an astounding bid of A$4.43 million (£2.35 million), dethroning Cummins and cementing his place as the new record-holder in IPL player payouts.
Australians Dominate the Stage
The high bids for Cummins and Starc marked a significant shift in the valuation of Australian talent in the IPL auction. Last year’s benchmark of $3.15 million, set by young all-rounder Cameron Green, was not just surpassed but obliterated, showcasing the premium placed on Australian cricketing prowess.
Cummins is set to join forces with World Cup hero Travis Head, who secured a commendable $1.22 million deal with the Sunrisers. Head’s return to the IPL after a six-year hiatus adds another layer of excitement to the mix.
International Flair and English Setbacks
While Australian players basked in the glory of lucrative deals, England’s World Cup struggles were reflected in diminished interest. The highest bid for an English player went to Harry Brook, who was signed by the Delhi Capitals for around £380,000. In contrast, Chris Woakes secured a deal worth just under £400,000, joining Curran and Livingstone at Punjab Kings.
Global Showcase of Talent
The IPL auction showcased a global spectacle, with players from various cricketing nations attracting hefty paychecks. West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell fetched a surprising £700,000 bid from Rajasthan Royals, and New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell secured a career-defining deal with Chennai Super Kings for £1.3 million.
IPL’s Economic Impact
The IPL continues to be a financial juggernaut for Indian cricket, contributing over $11 billion to the economy each year. The recent broadcast rights sale for the next five seasons, amounting to $6.2 billion, further solidifies its status as a cricketing powerhouse. The auction’s ability to draw top talent and offer bumper salaries reinforces the IPL’s role in popularizing Twenty20 cricket globally.
As the countdown to the next IPL season begins, the auction results hint at an enthralling competition that promises to deliver exceptional cricketing performances and unforgettable moments on the field.
