As expected, the 2023 IPL auction turned out to be a record-breaking affair as the 10 IPL franchises went on a spending spree. Overseas all-rounders Sam Curran, Ben Stokes and Cameron Green, who were the big talking points ahead of the auction, were all sold for record-breaking numbers.
Here are the three most expensive purchases in the 2023 IPL auction.
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Sam Curran – Rs. 18.5 crores (PBKS)
At the IPL 2023 auction in Kochi on Friday, Sam Curran was signed by Punjab Kings for a significant sum of Rs. 18.5 crores, making him the most expensive player in the IPL. This title was previously held by Chris Morris, but Curran has now surpassed him.
Curran’s initial base price was Rs 2 crore, but several teams, including Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Rajasthan Royals, participated in a competitive bidding process for him. Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants later joined the competition, and Punjab ultimately emerged victorious in the auction.
Cameron Green – Rs. 17.5 crores (MI)
As anticipated, the Australian player received a high price at the IPL auction and was ultimately purchased by Mumbai Indians for a record amount. Green’s value as a T20 player has significantly increased in recent months.
During a successful T20I series in India this year, Green impressed IPL team scouts with his impressive performance, scoring 118 runs at an impressive strike rate of 214.54.
His versatility as both a bowler and a batsman likely played a role in his success at the auction. Although it remains to be seen how the MI think tank will utilize the Australian all-rounder with their top-order pretty much sorted.
Ben Stokes – Rs. 16.25 crores (CSK)
England all-rounder Ben Stokes was signed by CSK for a fee of Rs. 16.25 crore, making him the most expensive player ever for the team, surpassing Deepak Chahar.
Initially priced at Rs. 2 crores, Stokes attracted interest from RCB and RR before LSG placed a bid of Rs 7 crore. SRH and CSK also joined the bidding, with CSK eventually winning the rights to Stokes for the joint-third highest price tag in the IPL.
In his 43 appearances in the IPL, Stokes has scored 920 runs at a strike rate of 134.50 and taken 28 wickets at an economy of 8.56.