IPL Mini-Auctions: From Starc to Morris, the Biggest Buys
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A look back at the IPL mini-auctions where teams splurged on top talent, featuring record-breaking acquisitions like Mitchell Starc and Chris Morris.
The IPL mini-auction is known for its intense bidding wars, driven by teams eager to fill specific needs with varying budget sizes. When multiple teams target the same player, the price can skyrocket. Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction on December 16th, we're revisiting the six most expensive players acquired in previous mini-auctions.
**Mitchell Starc - ₹24.75 crore (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2024)**
Starc, a tall and imposing fast bowler, brings a potent mix of yorkers and raw pace to any team. Before being picked up in 2024, he hadn't played in the IPL since 2015, when he represented Royal Challengers Bangalore. His return triggered a fierce bidding war.
The Kolkata Knight Riders, seeking an experienced international player to bolster their young Indian pace attack, outbid the Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Titans to secure Starc for a staggering ₹24.75 crore. This represented over 75% of KKR's total auction purse and made him the most expensive player in IPL auction history at that time.
Despite an economy rate of 10.61 during the season, KKR maintained faith in Starc's ability. He ultimately justified their investment with match-winning performances in the playoffs. His 3 for 34 in Qualifier 1 crippled Sunrisers Hyderabad, and he followed it up with 2 for 14 in the final, helping KKR secure their third IPL title.
