In a jaw-dropping turn of events at the IPL auction in Dubai, Australia’s cricket juggernauts, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, not only shattered records but also crossed the unprecedented Rs 20 crore mark simultaneously. Cummins was snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a staggering Rs 20.50 crore, marking the highest-ever bid at that point. However, the drama continued as Starc entered the auction two hours later, commanding an even more astounding Rs 24.75 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders.
This dual financial feat not only eclipsed the previous record held by England’s Sam Curran but also challenged the conventional norms of IPL auction history. It was a spectacle as the bidding war for Starc unfolded, involving Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and Kolkata Knight Riders, ultimately culminating in the latter securing the Australian speedster for a historic sum.
Amidst the euphoria of these colossal bids, questions arise about the financial dynamics in cricket and whether such astronomical figures align with the sport’s ethos. Critics argue that while the IPL is a lucrative platform, such exorbitant amounts might skew the focus from the game itself to the monetary allure, potentially overshadowing the essence of cricket as a sport.
Mitchell Starc’s return to the IPL after eight years adds another layer to the narrative. The 33-year-old, who last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2015, is set to make a formidable comeback. His previous IPL stints in 2014 and 2015 saw him take 34 wickets in 27 matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.17.
As the dust settles from the frenzied auction, the spotlight now shifts to Cummins and Starc, both expressing their desire to use the IPL as a crucial platform to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The controversy surrounding the financial aspects, however, lingers in the aftermath of this historic auction.
