List of top 5 most expensive Australian picks of 2024 IPL season

IPL has changed the way cricket has been played over the years but has also impacted the lives of many players not only in India but also around the world. But there is something about the Australian players that has got the IPL franchises going which is why every year in the auctions, Aussie players are the ones who are the most in demand.

One of the prominent reasons for the high demand for Aussie talent is the tough mentality and the fitness regime that they bring to the table that attracts the IPL franchises the most. But especially in this year’s IPL auctions, the Australian players were the flavour of the season as the franchises broke the bank on them.

Three of the top Australian picks took a whopping 55.25 crores with them which left the fans wondering about the pay disparity between the Indian stars such as Jasprit Bumrah and the top Australian picks. But the dynamics of the mini-IPL auction are such that sometimes franchises overpay for some players as they want to fill the gaps in their teams. 

So here are the top five Australian players who were sold at the most expensive prices in the IPL Auction 2024:

1. Mitchell Starc- 24.75 crore

Mitchell Strac created the most buzz before the auctions and he lived up to it as he became the most expensive player in the history of IPL. Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders went on to have a bidding war to have Starc by their side and eventually, KKR managed to get Starc for a record-breaking fee of Rs. 24.75 Cr. 

Mitchell Starc last played the IPL in 2015 for RCB and since then has given priority to international duties but he is still one of the best left-arm pacers going around and his skill set is valued by the franchises.

2. Pat Cummins- 20.50 crore

Pat Cummins the current Australian World Cup and World Test Championship winner found himself at the centre of an intense bidding battle between SRH and RCB. Benefiting from a substantial budget, the Hyderabad team flexed their financial muscle, expressing a strong desire to secure the services of the Australian captain. 

In a groundbreaking moment, Cummins not only surpassed Sam Curran's record as the most expensive player in auction history but also became the first player to exceed the 20-crore mark as he got picked at 20.50 crore. But his record for being the most expensive player soon got broken by his teammate Mitchell Starc.

3. Spencer Johnson- 10 crore

Spencer Johnson who came into prominence with his performance in the Big Bash League was one player whose bid shocked many fans. The left-arm pacer is seen as a substitute to Mitchell Starc which is why he went for such a huge amount. The Gujarat Titans missed Starc to KKR aiming to secure Johnson engaged in a spirited bidding war against the Delhi Capitals. 

Initially priced at a base amount of Rs 50 lakh, the left-arm pacer from the Brisbane Heat attracted early attention from the Kolkata Knight Riders, with bids reaching Rs 85 lakh. Subsequently, the Delhi Capitals entered the fray, escalating the bidding war to a staggering Rs. 10 crores but eventually the Titans managed to get the Aussie southpaw.

4. Travis Head

Travis Head's pick by SRH is considered one of the steals of the IPL 2024 auctions. Tipped to be one of the highest picks at the auction, Travis Head was sold to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 6.8 crore. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) went to INR 6.6 crore for the Australian opening batter before SRH closed the bid at INR 6.8 crore. 

Head who played an instrumental role for Australia by hitting match-winning centuries was among the hottest picks before the auctions. Travis Head last played in the IPL in 2017 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

5. Jhye Richardson

Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson will be joining DC for the Ipl 2024 season. Delhi Capitals paid an amount of INR 5 crore to seal the deal. Richardson has previously joined two other franchises too but has only played three matches and has taken three wickets in his IPL career. He was a regular member of the Australia bowling line-up but has been marred with injuries in the recent past and this could be a great opportunity for him to make a comeback.