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Mitchell Starc, who became the most expensive player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, has openly discussed the significant salaries he and fellow Australian pacer Pat Cummins received, as well as the subsequent criticism.
Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins’ record IPL salaries
Starc was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for an unprecedented INR 24.75 crore, making him the highest-paid player in IPL history. Meanwhile, Cummins was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 20.50 crore, a figure that also drew attention and surpassed the salaries of many top Indian cricketers. The high expectations and immense scrutiny followed, especially after their initial performances did not meet the anticipated levels.
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Initial criticism and turning the tide
In the first half of the tournament, Starc’s performance was below par, attracting significant criticism from fans and pundits alike. However, Starc remained unperturbed by the negative feedback. In a revealing discussion on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, Starc shared how both he and Cummins managed to find humor in the situation despite the intense scrutiny they faced. Starc humorously reflected on their journey, noting how they transitioned from being labeled as overpriced players to leading their respective teams to the finals.
“So, first game of the IPL, we played Hyderabad. Paddy and I both got paid a fair bit, played the first game, had a bit of a laugh about it. Just so happens we play each other nine weeks later in the final. And all of a sudden, it’s gone from, oh, they’ve paid overs for these two. These two are now playing a final. Funny that,” Starc said.
Redemption in the IPL playoffs
Despite the early backlash, Starc proved his worth by leading KKR to victories in Qualifier 1 and the final, showcasing his exceptional skills and justifying his hefty price tag. Similarly, Cummins thrived under pressure, his leadership and performance being pivotal in guiding SRH to their first final in six years. Cummins’ captaincy and key contributions on the field helped SRH reach the summit clash, where they ultimately fell to Starc’s KKR.
