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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction was nothing short of a spectacle, with franchises engaging in a fierce bidding war to secure top-notch talent for the upcoming season. Amidst the nail-biting auctions, Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, emerged as the undisputed star by clinching an extraordinary deal with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Starc’s jaw-dropping contract, valued at a staggering INR 24.75 crore, not only shattered all previous records but also positioned him as the highest-paid player in the history of the IPL.
Mithell Starc surpasses Pat Cummins to claim top spot
Starc surpassed his fellow Australian teammate Pat Cummins, who held the record for the highest IPL contract until this auction. Cummins had secured a formidable deal worth 20.50 crore with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, Starc’s astronomical deal with KKR not only reflected the franchise’s eagerness to acquire a top-tier fast bowler but also underscored the growing financial might of the IPL.
Breaking down Starc’s INR 24.75 crore deal
While the sheer magnitude of Starc’s deal is enough to make headlines, let’s delve into the economics behind this historic contract. A unique perspective emerges when we break down Starc’s earnings ball by ball, offering a glimpse into the unparalleled financial dynamics of the IPL.
Also READ: 15 cricketers who featured in IPL 2008 and will now play in IPL 2024
League Stage – 14 Games
Assuming Starc plays all 14 league stage games, his per ball earning would be calculated as follows:
- Total Matches (League Stage): 14
- Balls per Over: 6
- Overs per Match: 4
Multiplying these factors gives the total number of balls played in the league stage:
14matches × 6 balls per over × 4 overs per match= 336 balls
Starc’s earnings of INR 24.75 crore are then divided by the total balls played to arrive at the per ball earning:
24.75 crore/336
Per ball earning= INR 7,36,607
Eliminator – 15 Games
In the event of Starc participating till the eliminator, the per ball earning would be slightly adjusted:
15matches×6balls per over×4overs per match=360 balls
24.75 crore/360
Per ball earning= INR 6,87,500
Qualifier – 16 Games
If Starc plays till the qualifier, he will be seen in 16 games:
16 matches × 6 balls per over× 4 overs per match = 384 balls
24.75 crore/384
Per ball earning= INR 6,44,531
Final – 17 Games
If Starc’s journey extend to the final match:
17 matches × 6 balls per over × 4 overs per match = 408 balls
24.75 crore/408
Per ball earning= INR 6,06,617
