KOCHI: England’s Sam Curran, the T20 World Cup player-of-the tournament, has become the most expensive buy in IPL auction history, finally going to Punjab Kings for Rs 18.50 Crores after a frenzied bidding war among six franchises.
An intense bidding followed for Curran with Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings raising their paddles frenetically to secure the services of the Englishman.
In the end, it was Punjab Kings that broke the bank to get Curran, going past the previous highest price of Rs 16.25 crore paid by Rajasthan Royals for the services of South African all-rounder Chris Morris in 2021.
Australia all-rounder Cameroon Green was the second-highest earner, fetching Rs 17.5 crore from Mumbai Indians.
England Test skipper Ben Stokes was the third-highest gainer, going for Rs 16.25 crore to CSK who beat out Kolkata Knight Riders in another intense bidding war.
English players were in demand as batsman Harry Brook earned a Rs 13.25 crore winning bid from Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Brook, who struck three hundreds in as many games and set a new record for most runs by an England batsman in a Test series in Pakistan, started at a base price of Rs 1.5 crore.
The bidding for Brook was mainly between SRH and Rajasthan Royals.
India international Mayank Agarwal was also bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 8.25 crore. His base price was set at Rs 1 crore.
West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder was sold to Rajasthan Royals for Rs 5.75 crore.
New Zealand stalwart Kane Williamson was sold at his base price at Rs 2 crore to Gujarat Titans.
Out-of-favour India batter Ajinkya Rahane was sold at his base price of Rs 50 lakh to Chennai Supper Kings, the only bidder for the player.
At the time this report was published 29 players had been sold, out of which 14 were overseas players, for a combined total Rs 120.35 crore.
Highest paid players in IPL history:
– Sam Curran – 18.5cr.
– Virat Kohli – 17cr.
– KL Rahul – 17cr.
