The IPL is the biggest money-maker and the principal reason for cricket's newfound popularity worldwide!
The Indian Premier League (IPL) stands as the preeminent T20 league, distinguished not only by its on-field thrill but also by the staggering financial stakes involved, prominently showcased in the player auction where colossal deals are struck. Every passing year, the player auctions script new chapters in the history of the IPL, establishing records with astronomical sums spent on securing players, elevating them to the status of the most expensive acquisitions. In this piece, we'll explore the decadal journey of the IPL's ten costliest players, dissecting the eye-watering figures that reshaped the landscape of cricket auctions.
The 2024 IPL auction marked a watershed moment as the bid crossed the 20-crore threshold for the first time. Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm pacer absent from the IPL since 2015, reentered the league in grand style. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured Starc for a staggering INR 24.75 crore, cementing his status as the priciest player in IPL history.
Before Starc's record, Pat Cummins held the mantle, commanding INR 20.50 crore from the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024. The ODI World Cup-winning captain briefly reigned as the first player to breach the 20-crore mark in IPL auctions.
In a year dominated by Australian players, 2023 witnessed English all-rounder Sam Curran shining brightly. The Punjab Kings secured Curran for an impressive INR 18.50 crore, making him the costliest player of that season.
The allure of foreign players, mainly from Australia and England, persisted in 2023. Cameroon Green, an Australian player, was in high demand, with the Mumbai Indians acquiring him for INR 17.50 crore.
Another Englishman on the list of the IPL's most expensive players is the destructive Ben Stokes. In 2023, the Chennai Super Kings invested INR 16.25 crore in Stokes, despite his limited participation due to injury, playing only two games.
A rarity in IPL auction history occurred when South African player Chris Morris secured an astonishing INR 16.25 crore from the Rajasthan Royals in 2021 despite having an average outing.
The 2023 auction witnessed several players breaching the 15-crore mark, including West Indies keeper-batter Nicholas Pooran. The Lucknow Super Giants bid INR 16 crore for his services, and he delivered a decent season, scoring runs at a strike rate of 172.95.
Yuvraj Singh, a stalwart among Indian all-rounders, is the first player to command a bid exceeding INR 15 crore. Delhi Daredevils secured the left-hander for a massive INR 16 crore. A year earlier, Royal Challengers Bangalore had spent INR 14 crore on Yuvraj Singh, although his impact was limited for both teams.
Pat Cummins makes another appearance on the list as the Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for INR 15.50 crore in the 2020 auction. Despite a decent performance, Cummins' price tag underscored the financial dynamics of IPL auctions.
The 2022 IPL mega auction witnessed a spirited bidding war as the Mumbai Indians went all-in to retain their player, Ishan Kishan. The franchise spent a staggering INR 15.25 crore to secure Kishan's services and maintain his presence in their squad.
In a league fueled by excitement and financial fervour, these players etched their names in IPL history as the chosen few who commanded the highest price tags, creating a legacy that resonates through the tournament records.
