Former India's opener Aakash Chopra wasn't happy with the windfall on Australia's premier pacer Mitchell Starc in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction on December 19. Money rained on Australian cricketers in the IPL 2024 mini auction with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins becoming the auction's most expensive picks. While Starc was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a hefty sum of Rs 24.75 crore, Pat Cummins was secured by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.50 crore. Apparently, Starc became the most expensive picks in the IPL auction's history.
Akash Chopra suggested that there should be a separate purse allocation for acquiring international players. Chopra emphasised the significance of the ‘Indian’ Premier League and opined that players like Starc don't deserve more salary than Indian stars like Jasprit Bumrah.
While speaking to Jio Cinema Aakash said, “There should be a different purse for overseas players, it is the INDIAN premier league. Starc doesn’t deserve more salary than Bumrah.”
In a video posted on the official Twitter handle of the KKR, Starc conveyed his excitement, saying, "Hey, KKR fans; I'm thrilled to be joining the team for this year's IPL. And I can't wait to get to Eden Gardens to experience the home fans, the home crowd, and the atmosphere. I look forward to seeing you then. Ami KKR."
During the bidding process, four IPL teams – KKR, Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Gujarat Titans (GT) were locked in a bidding war until KKR, ultimately acquired the services of Starc.
Starc previously played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2014 and 2015 IPL seasons. In 2018, KKR signed him for INR 9.40 crore, but an injury prevented him from participating in the tournament.
Starc played an instrumental role in Australia's victorious campaign at the 2023 World Cup in India, claiming 16 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.06.
Meanwhile, during the IPL 2024 auction, a total of 333 players were up for grabs, with 72 of them finding teams and a whopping ₹2,30,45,00,000 being spent in total. Beyond Cummins and Starc, Travis Head, who played a pivotal role for Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final and final, was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In addition to the Australian talent, Chennai Super Kings secured the services of New Zealand's 2023 ODI World Cup stars, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, for INR 1.80 crore and INR 14 crore respectively.
Following the IPL 2024 auction's conclusion, the trading window will reopen on December 20, allowing player trades up to 30 days before the IPL's commencement.
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