The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Dubai was a spectacle of record-breaking bids and strategic acquisitions in the high-stakes world of IPL auctions. Amongst the brightest stars were Australian cricketing sensations Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, who not only broke the bank but also set new benchmarks in IPL salary history.

Mitchell Starc, known for his lethal pace and swing, triumphantly returned to the IPL after a hiatus, with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquiring his services for an eye-watering Rs 24.75 crore. This transaction not only made him the most expensive player in the 2024 auction, but also the most expensive purchase in the league’s history. KKR’s acquisition of Starc was a calculated move, as they outbid other franchises, including the Gujarat Titans, to bring the left-handed quick into their fold. The cost was nearly twelve times higher.