The IPL auction 2023 is all ready to take place on December 23 in Kochi and 991 players have registered themselves for the main event. However, with a squad cap of 25 players, only a maximum of 87 cricketers may receive contracts from the franchises, of which 30 might be overseas.
It wouldn’t be inaccurate to argue that the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is just as thrilling as the actual competition. The auction has provided cricket with some of its most thrilling and beautiful tales throughout the years. From unknown faces becoming billionaires to great names going unsold, the previous 15 auctions of the IPL have seen it all.
The top 20 players, including Sam Curran, Ben Stokes, have registered themselves under INR 2 crore base price. The 2023 IPL auction is expected to feature intense bidding wars as teams compete to create a championship-winning lineup. Know the top 3 expensive players in the IPL history.
Chris Morris – INR 16.25 Crore
When Chris Morris was hired by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2021 mini-auction, he became the most expensive player ever purchased in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The South African’s worth increased from a starting price of INR 75 lakh to a stunning 16.25 crore as a result of a competitive bidding battle.
The all-rounder led the Royals in wickets for the next season, taking 15 in 11 games. However, he struggled at the plate, managing only 67 runs at an average of 13.40.
Yuvraj Singh – INR 16 Crore
Just one year after Royal Challengers Bangalore made a successful bid of INR 14 Crore for him, the dynamic left-hander was signed by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) ahead of the 2015 season for a record-breaking INR 16 crore. Yuvraj, however, did not live up to the trust placed in him, scoring 248 runs at a pitiful average of 19.07 and striking out at a drab 118.09.
The all-rounder joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 for INR 7 crore and enjoyed a couple of successful campaigns, amassing 488 runs in 22 games and averaging a much better 27.11. Following that, he had a miserable run with his local side Kings XI Punjab, where he averaged 10.83 and struck out at a pitiful 89.04. The world cup winner left the league in 2019 on a high note, slamming a scorching 50 on his debut for the champion Mumbai Indians.
Pat Cummins – INR 15.5 Crore
The IPL was stunned by the towering Australian bowler in 2020, when Kolkata Knight Riders broke the bank to sign him for a staggering INR 15.5 crore, becoming him the most expensive foreign player the league has ever seen. Cummins delivered on his promise, taking 12 wickets for KKR while also making a contribution with the bat in the lower order, including a lightning-quick fifty while batting at position seven.
The 28-year-old had a promising start to his 2021 IPL season by leading the KKR pace attack with nine wickets from seven games and hitting an unbeaten 34-ball 66 against Chennai Super Kings in a losing effort.
Also Read: IPL 2023: 3 Underrated Players Might Be This Year’s X-factor
