(Cricket news) At the IPL auction 2024 in Dubai, Sunrisers Hyderabad paid an incredible ₹20.5 crore for Australia’s captain Pat Cummins, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. However, Cummins had no idea that his achievement would be short-lived as he was defeated by none other than his colleague Mitchell Starc.

The left-arm quick, who was expected to command a hefty price, lived up to the hype, going for an incredible ₹24.75 crore to Kolkata Knight Riders. This is Starc’s second stint with the two-time IPL champions, having previously played for them in 2015.

Starc’s name, when announced by auctioneer Mallika Sagar, brought out a collective gasp and some hooting from the crowd, and boy, was not that reaction a sign of things to come? Starc, base price of ₹2 crore, was immediately targeted by Mumbai Indians, after which Delhi Capitals joined the race.

A Delhi vs. Mumbai bidding war unfolded before DC withdrew when the mark reached ₹9.4 crore. Starc was always going to be one of the biggest and most eye-catching buys, and it was probably not surprising that he had received offers from as many as five franchises.

See more: RCB Director Unveils Trading Strategy for Cameron Green