The IPL 2024 auction buzz is getting louder, with 25 players boldly setting their base price at a whopping INR 2 crores. Among them, the seasoned campaigner Umesh Yadav, released by Kolkata Knight Riders, stands out in the top tier.
The trio of Australian pacers – Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins – has thrown their names into the auction ring, creating anticipation for some high-stakes bidding, considering their stellar track records.
One notable name seeking a new team is Harry Brook, who didn’t make the cut with Sunrisers Hyderabad and is eyeing a fresh start in the upcoming auction.
INR 2 Crore Base Price: The Power Players
Harshal Patel, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Kedar Jadhav, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, Mustafizur Rahman, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Lockie Ferguson, Gerald Coetzee, Rilee Rossouw, Rassie van der Dussen, Angelo Mathews.
As the countdown to the December 19 auction in Dubai begins, the excitement is palpable. This marks the first time the IPL auction ventures beyond Indian borders. A whopping 1166 players have thrown their hats in the ring for the auction, with 25 brave souls placing themselves in the highest base price category of INR 2 crores. With only 77 slots available for all ten franchises, including 30 for overseas players, the competition is set to be fierce.
The auction promises a galaxy of international stars, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Rachin Ravindra, Travis Head, Harry Brook, and Steve Smith. From the Indian contingent, the likes of Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Kedar Jadhav, and Harshal Patel will be vying for lucrative contracts.
Kedar Jadhav’s Surprising Move
A surprising entry in the INR 2 crore base price list is Kedar Jadhav. At 38, without a team in the previous IPL season, Jadhav’s decision to place himself in the top bracket raises eyebrows. It remains to be seen if any franchise will be willing to invest such a substantial amount in the seasoned player.
Interestingly, New Zealand’s rising star Rachin Ravindra has set his base price at INR 50 lakh. However, with potential intense bidding expected, this figure could witness a significant jump.
While the official word from the BCCI and IPL governing council is awaited, unofficial sources suggest that 1,166 players are in the fray for the IPL 2024 auction. Dubai is poised to host the mini-auction, breaking the tradition of holding it in India.
According to Cricbuzz, out of the 1,166 players, 830 are Indian, with 336 coming from overseas. The player pool includes 212 capped, 909 uncapped, and 45 Associate players.
Auction Dynamics: Base Prices Unveiled
Among the capped players, only four have set their base price at the maximum of INR 2 crores – Harshal Patel, Kedar Jadhav, Shardul Thakur, and Umesh Yadav.
The INR 2 crore base price is dominated by Australia’s World Cup-winning stars, including Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, and Steve Smith.
IPL 2024 teams disclose their retained and released player lists
IPL 2024 is gradually taking form as teams disclose their retained and released player lists ahead of the grand auction, set to unfold in Dubai on December 19. The echoes of anticipation reverberate from the IPL 2023 final, where the seasoned Chennai Super Kings, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, secured their record-equalling fifth IPL title by defeating the Gujarat Titans.
The buzz intensified with the confirmation that MS Dhoni, the cricketing maestro, would grace the field for yet another season, putting to rest the rumors of his retirement swirling after guiding CSK to another triumphant title run.
As the cricketing world awaits the commencement of IPL 2024, the burning question is when the season will kick off and when fans can witness their favorite players in action. Ten formidable teams will vie for the coveted title in IPL 2024, featuring CSK, GT, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
The excitement is set to reach a crescendo as the ten franchises finalize their squads during the upcoming one-day mini auction, where over 70 player slots may find their owners. Yet, preceding this frenzy, speculation abounds regarding the start and culmination dates of IPL 2024.
Also read: Kolkata Knight Riders Revamp Support Staff and Roster Ahead of IPL 2024
While the official IPL 2024 schedule is slated for announcement in February, murmurs already hint at an early kick-off due to the T20 World Cup 2024’s scheduled commencement in early June. With the T20 World Cup spanning from June 4 to June 30, reports suggest IPL 2024 might commence on March 22, 2024, and conclude with the final on May 26, 2024. This proposed timeline allows players a week of respite before the grand spectacle.
However, the specter of the General Elections in the upcoming year looms large, potentially influencing the IPL’s start date and even the choice of venue. Speculation arises that the league might be held outside India. By February, the fog of uncertainty is expected to lift, offering clarity on the crucial details.
The intriguing question of which teams will take the field in the IPL 2024 season opener adds another layer to the unfolding drama. Whispers in the cricketing corridors suggest a Southern Derby clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22, 2024. On the flip side, traditionalists anticipate a champion-versus-runner-up opener, pitting CSK against GT, possibly at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—the very venue where the two teams clashed for the IPL 2023 title.