Both Australians, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, concluded their illustrious careers by emerging as the costliest purchases in an Indian Premier League auction. England’s Harry Brook and Chris Woakes also secured substantial paychecks.

In a tense bidding showdown, Cummins was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for 20.5 crore rupees (approximately £1.9 million), setting a new record for the highest price in an IPL auction. Soon after, Starc surpassed this figure as Kolkata Knight Riders invested 24.75 crore rupees (about £2.34 million), establishing yet another record.

Cummins captained Australia in the World Test Championship final and the World Cup, also retaining the Ashes on English soil. Starc played a pivotal role in these events, regarded as a fearsome death bowler in white-ball cricket. He hadn’t participated in the IPL since 2015, prioritizing international commitments.

A year earlier, England’s Sam Curran secured the highest bid after their T20 World Cup victory, signing with Punjab Kings for 18.5 crore (£1.85 million). Ben Stokes and Harry Brook also received substantial deals.

However, this time around, the market for English players was slightly slower, with Adil Rashid and Phil Salt initially going unsold. Brook, released after one season by Sunrisers Hyderabad, was purchased by Delhi Capitals for 4 crore (approx. £400,000), while Woakes joined Punjab Kings for 4.2 crore (approx. £420,000). Other English players like Curran, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone also found spots in Punjab Kings.

Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Joe Root opted out of this year’s tournament. After a disappointing performance in the World Cup, there’s likely to be a reduced number of English players at the IPL. Additionally, the IPL’s expected schedule from March 22 to late May may impact the availability of England players as they have a home T20 series against Pakistan during that time.