Kolkata Knight Riders Make History with Record IPL Auction Bids
Kolkata Knight Riders' Historic Bids
In a groundbreaking move during the Indian Premier League auction, Kolkata Knight Riders made headlines by spending a staggering Rs 25.20 crore to secure top Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. Additionally, they invested Rs 18 crore to bring Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana into their squad.
Despite their impressive performances, Indian players Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the auction.
Cameron Green's acquisition made him the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history, surpassing his fellow Australian Mitchell Starc, who was bought for Rs 24.75 crore. The bidding war for Green was fierce, particularly between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, with the latter ultimately winning.
KKR also pursued Venkatesh Iyer but withdrew from the bidding against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who secured the Indian all-rounder for Rs 7 crore.
The three-time champions then focused on acquiring Pathirana after Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants stepped back following a competitive bidding process.
Pathirana, who entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, became the highest-priced Sri Lankan player sold in IPL history.
Regarding Green's earnings, he will receive Rs 18 crore ($1.9 million) for the season, as the remaining funds will contribute to the BCCI’s player development program, in accordance with auction regulations for foreign players. Pathirana, however, will receive the full amount as it fits within the salary cap.
Previously, Green played for Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, accumulating 707 runs and taking 16 wickets across 29 IPL matches.
In contrast, Shaw and Sarfaraz, despite their recent successes, including Sarfaraz's explosive 22-ball 73 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, were not picked.
Delhi Capitals acquired big-hitting South African David Miller for his base price of Rs 2 crore, while New Zealand's Devon Conway, also starting at Rs 2 crore, went unsold.
Veteran South African opener Quinton de Kock returned to Mumbai Indians at a base price of Rs 1 crore.
Spencer Johnson remained unsold, while Anrich Nortje was picked up by LSG after they initiated the bidding for the South African pacer, who had a base price of Rs 2 crore.
The mini auction featured a total of 359 players, including 246 Indians and 113 overseas athletes, with the 10 franchises competing to fill a maximum of 77 slots, which includes 31 reserved for foreign players.