Pat Cummins, the star Australian captain, became the most expensive player ever in an IPL auction when he was sold for INR 20.50 crore at the IPL 2024 mini-sale on Tuesday, December 19 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. He shattered the record set by England all-rounder Sam Curran, who was sold to Punjab Kings for INR 18.5 crore during the IPL 2023 mini-auction sale.
Pat Cummins was initially valued at INR 2 crore, with the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad all showing interest in the Australian all-rounder. CSK and MI dropped out of the auction after a few offers, but RCB and SRH heated up the conflict with bigger bids per second.
With INR 23.25 crore left in their pocket, RCB ultimately decided not to bid, allowing SRH to purchase Pat Cummins for an incredible INR 20.50 crore. The enormous pay is the cherry on top for Cummins, who has had an incredible year for his country, leading Australia to victory in the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup. With the series at 2-2, Australia was also able to hold onto the Ashes in England for a second time under his leadership.
If he participates in every game in the IPL 2024, he would be paid INR 6.1 Lakh for every ball he bowls. Pat Cummins has previously represented Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, appearing in 42 matches and taking 45 wickets at an average of 30.16 and an economy of 8.54.
Pat Cummins scored the second-fastest IPL fifty in 14 balls
He also has 379 IPL runs with a strike rate of INR 152.21 and three half-centuries to his name. The Sydney-born cricketer also owns the record for the joint-second-fastest fifty in IPL history, having reached the benchmark in just 14 balls against Mumbai Indians in Match 14 of IPL 2022 at Pune.
Meanwhile, the Australian speedster is a wonderful acquisition to SRH, who have been searching for a captain after parting ways with David Warner following a dismal 2021 season.
