DUBAI: Australia’s Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after attracting an eye-watering $2.98 million bid from Kolkata Knight Riders in the players’ auction on Tuesday.
Australia captain Pat Cummins briefly held that honor after Sunrisers Hyderabad agreed to splash $2.46 million for his service before Starc bettered that mark.
Barely a month after leading Australia to the 50-overs World Cup title in India, Cummins entered the auction with a base price of 20 million Indian rupees ($240,473).
IPL heavyweights Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings were initially interested in him but both dropped out as a two-way bidding war ensued.
Royal Challengers Bangalore doggedly pursued Cummins but 2016 champions Hyderabad had the last laugh in the tug-of-war over the fast bowler, who has also evolved as a handy lower-order hitter.
England all-rounder Sam Curran’s 185 million rupees bid from Punjab Kings at last year’s auction was the previous highest mark.
Cummins also provides a leadership option at Hyderabad, though head coach Daniel Vettori remain tight-lipped about that prospect.
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell also struck it rich after Chennai splashed 140 million rupees to acquire the batting all-rounder at 10 times his base price.
India seamer Harshal Patel also became a millionaire joining Punjab Kings for 117.5 million rupees in the auction, which was held outside India for the first time.
The Indian cricket board has not announced the dates but next year’s IPL is likely to be played between March and May.
