Aakash Chopra anticipates that Mitchell Starc would fetch a hefty price in the IPL 2024 auction. He is unsure, though, if the franchise would think wisely to make such a deal.
Starc has not appeared in the Indian Premier League since the 2015 season. He has, however, entered his name into this year’s auction list, with a starting price of 2 crore.
On Sports 18’s AakashVani show, Chopra was asked if Starc will be the most expensive acquisition at the IPL 2024 auction, to which he replied:
“It’s a million-dollar question and he will take a million dollars as well. I am saying AUD (Australian dollars) will take the most money after INR (Indian rupees). In fact, more money might go to AUD than INR in this auction because you don’t have too many Indian players in the auction.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener admitted that the left-arm seamer provides a much-needed skill set. He went on to say:
“Whoever plays in Australia has registered his name and Mitchell Starc is the most discussed name in that. What does Mitchell Starc bring? He is a gun bowler with the new ball and does amazingly well at the death. His IPL numbers are very good, performed very well when he played for RCB.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra stated that he has heard from unconfirmed sources that at least five franchises have already contacted Starc and informed him that they intend to bid on him if he becomes available in the auction.
Aakash Chopra questions Mitchell Starc’s commitment: “He has cheated teams so many times”
Aakash Chopra, on the other hand, believes Mitchell Starc’s questionable availability history will hurt him. He noticed:
“However, he has cheated teams so many times after that. Cheating is not a word you should use lightly but that’s what you feel when you bid for him and he says that he won’t come when the tournament is about to start because he wants to focus on the Ashes or the World Cup, or has some personal issues.”
Aakash Chopra
The former cricketer-turned-commentator believes franchises would like somewhat more dependable alternatives. He stated:
“Suddenly your money gets released but what will you do with money because you don’t have players of that quality left. In this auction also, apart from Mitchell Starc, you will have Gerald Coetzee, Josh Hazlewood, Dilshan Madushanka and Ben Dwarshuis, maybe not the same quality but the truth is that they will be there.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra pointed out that if Starc withdraws after being purchased at auction, none of the other excellent seamers will be accessible. While expressing pessimism, he noted that he will not be shocked if the Australian seamer fetches a high price.
He used the example of Jofra Archer, who was purchased by the Mumbai Indians for Rs. 8 crore at the IPL 2022 auction despite the fact that he would not be available for that season.