IPL 2024 Auction: In an unprecedented move in the IPL auction history, Australia pacer Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in the tournament's history after being picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the astonishing amount of Rs 24.75 crore. He surpassed his captain Pat Cummins, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs 20.50 crore in the ongoing event in Dubai.

As soon as Starc came under the hammer for auction, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals called the opening bids before pulling out in time to allow room for Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders in the hall. KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir looked happy along with CEO Venky Mysore after bagging Starc in their squad.     

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Starc made his return to the IPL auction after years, having last played in 2015. He has taken 73 wickets in 58 T20Is and is a multi-time World Champion with Australia across all formats. With 647 international wickets in 262 matches, he is among the best fast bowlers of the modern era.

In his IPL career, Starc has 34 wickets to his name in 27 matches he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2014-15.

Earlier, Cummins broke the roof as he became the costliest player in the history of the Indian Premier League when he was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs 20.50 crore on Tuesday at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

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With a base price of Rs 2 crore, Cummins attracted the attention of Mumbai Indians who entered the bidding war for the first time. As the price continued to rise, MI backed while Royal Challengers Bangalore joined the bidding war against CSK. When it seemed RCB would walk away with the players SRH entered the battle, and a high-bidding war unfolded in the next moments.

As he touched the 20 crore mark, the entire arena cheered and applauded. RCB eventually gave up and SRH acquired the services of the Australian World Cup-winning skipper for Rs 20.50 crore and Cummins became the most expensive player in the history of the IPL.

Earlier, Sam Curran held the record with a price tag of Rs 18.50 crore. He was sold to Punjab Kings back in 2022.

(With ANI inputs)