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The Indian Premier League (IPL) has consistently been a breeding ground for extravagant deals and record-breaking purchases during its annual auctions. Since its inception in 2008, the league has witnessed players commanding staggering amounts, creating history and setting new standards in the world of sports.
The recent IPL 2024 Auction held in Dubai has now raised the bar to unprecedented heights, shattering all previous records for the most expensive IPL deals. The monumental feat has not only made headlines but has also significantly reshaped the landscape of cricket auctions. On that note, here are the top 5 costliest buys in the history of IPL, each transaction.
Five most expensive buys in IPL history:
1. Mitchell Starc (KKR)
The IPL 2024 Auction witnessed history being made as Mitchell Starc, the Australian pace sensation, bagged a monumental deal of INR 24.75 crores with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise. The intense bidding wars between teams showcased the high demand for Starc’s exceptional cricketing skills, ultimately culminating in the highest-ever buy in the IPL’s auction history.
2. Pat Cummins (SRH)
In the same IPL 2024 Auction, Pat Cummins, the Australian all-rounder, secured a groundbreaking deal worth INR 20.50 crores with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise. Cummins’ stellar performances, especially leading the Australian side to triumph in the World Test Championship 2021-23 and ODI World Cup 2023, contributed to him becoming the first player to breach the 20 crore mark in IPL auctions.
3. Sam Curran (PBKS)
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) franchise made a bold move in the IPL 2023 Auction by acquiring Sam Curran for a whopping INR 18.5 crores. This record-breaking deal came on the heels of Curran’s stellar performance in the T20 World Cup 2022 final. The franchise’s decision to retain him for the subsequent season reflected their confidence in the talented all-rounder.
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4. Cameron Green (MI)
The IPL 2023 Auction saw Cameron Green finding a home with the Mumbai Indians (MI), sealing a deal worth INR 17.5 crores. This transaction marked the fourth-highest deal in IPL auction history. Green later was traded to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise for the same amount ahead of the IPL 2024 season, that further emphasizing his value in the league.
5. Ben Stokes (CSK) and Chris Morris (RR)
Tied for the fifth position, England’s Ben Stokes entered the list of most expensive buys in the IPL 2023 auction, securing a deal worth INR 16.25 crores with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, the following season saw him released by the franchise, marking a twist in his IPL journey.
Sharing the fifth position is South African all-rounder Chris Morris, who became the talk of the town during the 2021 auction when the Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured his services for a substantial INR 16.25 crores. Surprisingly, this turned out to be Morris’s last stint in the IPL, as he later announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
