Australian pacer Mitchell Starc created Indian Premier League (IPL) history after being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for a record Rs 24.75 crore in the 2024 player auction held in Dubai.

Mitchell Starc Tops Elite List of Most Expensive IPL Buys

The 29-year-old left-arm quick broke the previous record held by compatriot Pat Cummins, who was bought for Rs 20.5 crore by SRH in the same auction at Dubai in 2024.

Starc’s record-breaking deal tops an elite list of the most expensive purchases in IPL history. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest bids by franchises over the years:

Top 10 Most Expensive IPL Players

1. Mitchell Starc – Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 24.75 Crore (2024)
2. Pat Cummins – Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 20.5 Crore (2024)
3. Sam Curran – Punjab Kings – Rs 18.5 Crore (2023)
4. Cameron Green – Mumbai Indians – Rs 17.5 Crore (2023)
5. Ben Stokes – Chennai Super Kings – Rs 16.25 Crore (2023)
6. Chris Morris – Rajasthan Royals – Rs 16.25 Crore (2021)
7. Yuvraj Singh – Delhi Daredevils – Rs 16 Crore (2015)
8. Nicholas Pooran – Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 16 Crore (2023)
9. Pat Cummins – Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 15.5 Crore (2020)
10. Ishan Kishan – Mumbai Indians – Rs 15.25 Crore (2022)

KKR’s Record Starc Investment Aims for Third IPL Title

Starc’s signing marks a significant investment by the Knight Riders franchise, who will be hoping the pace ace can lead them to their third IPL title. The big-money deals reflect the growing stature of the cash-rich IPL as one of the top T20 leagues in the world.