Introduction:

The IPL 2024 auction, held for the first time overseas in Dubai, unfolded with riveting moments, jaw-dropping bids, and unexpected twists. From the record-breaking purchase of Mitchell Starc to unsold veterans, the auction had cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. This article delves into the sold players, mega deals, and the unsold prospects that defined the IPL 2024 auction.

 

Record-Breaking Bids:

Mitchell Starc's Historic Deal (Kolkata Knight Riders - INR 24.75 crore):

Australia's pace sensation, Mitchell Starc, etched his name in IPL history by becoming the most expensive player ever. Kolkata Knight Riders secured his services for a staggering 24.75 crore, setting a new benchmark.

Pat Cummins' Stunning Bid (Sunrisers Hyderabad - INR 20.50 crore):

World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins fetched the second-highest bid, joining Sunrisers Hyderabad for a substantial 20.50 crore. The intense bidding war involved multiple franchises, including Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

Travis Head's Explosive Entry (Sunrisers Hyderabad - INR 6.80 crore):

Travis Head, the Player of the Match in the 2023 World Cup final, landed a sensational deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad for 6.80 crore, adding firepower to the team's batting lineup.

 

Sold Players by Category:

Note: Only a selection of notable players is highlighted.

Batters:

Rovman Powell (Rajasthan Royals - INR 7.40 crore)

Harry Brook (Delhi Capitals - INR 4 crore)

Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad - INR 6.80 crore)

Bowlers:

Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders - INR 24.75 crore)

Alzarri Joseph (Royal Challengers Bangalore - INR 11.50 crore)

Umesh Yadav (Gujarat Titans - INR 5.80 crore)

All-Rounders:

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sunrisers Hyderabad - INR 1.50 crore)

Rachin Ravindra (Chennai Super Kings - INR 1.80 crore)

Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad - INR 20.50 crore)

Wicketkeepers:

Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals - INR 50 lakh)

KS Bharat (Kolkata Knight Riders - INR 50 lakh)

 

Unsold Players and Surprise Exclusions:

Prominent Batsmen:

Rilee Rossouw (Base price INR 2 crore)

Karun Nair (Base price INR 50 lakh)

Steve Smith (Base price INR 2 crore)

Manish Pandey (Base price INR 50 lakh)

Notable Bowlers:

Lockie Ferguson (Base price INR 2 crore)

Josh Hazlewood (Base price INR 2 crore)

Adil Rashid (Base price INR 2 crore)

Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Base price INR 2 crore)

Unpicked All-Rounders and Wicketkeepers:

Philip Salt (Base price INR 1.50 crore)

Josh Inglis (Base price INR 2 crore)

Kusal Mendis (Base price INR 50 lakh)

 

Conclusion:

The IPL 2024 auction delivered blockbuster moments, with Mitchell Starc's record-breaking deal stealing the spotlight. The franchises strategically built their squads, securing key players for the upcoming season. As the cricketing world anticipates a thrilling IPL, the auction has set the stage for intense rivalries, spectacular performances, and cricketing drama.

With the league set to kick off, fans eagerly await the on-field magic that these acquired talents will bring to the biggest T20 extravaganza - the Indian Premier League.