- Mitchell Starc secures a record-breaking $4.42 million deal with Kolkata Knight Riders in an intense three-way bidding war.
- The deal becomes the highest bid for an Australian cricketer in IPL history, overshadowing Pat Cummins’ earlier $3.67 million deal.
- Despite the IPL windfall, Starc remains focused on the upcoming Test series, emphasizing the significance of the Boxing Day Test and his commitment to red-ball cricket.
In a resounding return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has struck a historic deal with the Kolkata Knight Riders, securing a staggering $4.42 million at the IPL auction. The bidding war on auction night unfolded as a three-way showdown, ultimately culminating in the Knight Riders emerging as the triumphant franchise.
Starc’s return to the T20 tournament comes after a notable absence, and his deal now stands as the highest bid ever for an Australian cricketer in the IPL, surpassing the previous record held by his teammate Pat Cummins. Cummins had earlier set the stage for high stakes with his $3.67 million deal, creating an intense backdrop for Starc’s entry into the auction.
The auction night was not without its moments of banter as Cameron Green, who playfully teased Starc for his IPL earnings last year, responded to Starc’s newfound fortune. Green, with his $3.15 million from the previous auction, engaged in light-hearted banter with Starc, showcasing the camaraderie among the Australian players.
Despite the lucrative IPL deal, Starc remains firmly grounded and redirects his focus to the upcoming Test series. Expressing excitement about the upcoming MCG wicket, Starc anticipates a more bowler-friendly pitch, highlighting the recent shift in favor of bowlers at the iconic venue. He emphasizes the need for an even contest between bat and ball in the upcoming Test matches, underscoring his commitment to red-ball cricket.
“Red-ball cricket is still top of the tree for me, my body will probably let me know about Test cricket [being over for me] before I want it to. It’s a nice lead into the T20 World Cup next year with the IPL and quality of cricket that tournament presents,”
While the IPL auction serves as a significant backdrop, Starc’s immediate attention is on the Test matches ahead, with a keen focus on the Boxing Day Test. Starc’s commitment to red-ball cricket and his eagerness for Test success are evident in his statements, showcasing the multi-faceted priorities of the fast-paced cricketing calendar.
“The auction has happened, but it’s not April, so I’ve got five or six Test matches to focus on,”
