IPL Auction Shocker: Kolkata Knight Riders Break Records with Cameron Green's Signing!
Record-Breaking IPL Auction Highlights
Abu Dhabi: In a stunning display of financial prowess, Kolkata Knight Riders made headlines by acquiring top Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a staggering Rs 25.20 crore during the IPL players' auction held on Tuesday. Additionally, they secured Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore.
The auction also saw uncapped Indian talents shine, with 20-year-old left-arm spinner Prashant Veer from Uttar Pradesh fetching Rs 14.20 crore from Chennai Super Kings, making him the highest-paid uncapped player in IPL auction history after starting at a base price of Rs 30 lakh.
Jammu and Kashmir's pacer Auqib Nabi Dar also made waves, being sold to Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crore, significantly above his base price of Rs 30 lakh.
Despite their impressive performances, Indian players Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold, surprising many fans.
Cameron Green's auction price surpassed that of fellow Australian Mitchell Starc, who was sold for Rs 24.75 crore, making Green the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history. The bidding war between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings was intense, with the latter ultimately winning.
KKR also pursued Venkatesh Iyer but withdrew as Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured him for Rs 7 crore. They later re-entered the bidding for Pathirana after Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants stepped back.
Pathirana, who started at a base price of Rs 2 crore, became the most expensive Sri Lankan player sold in IPL auction history.
Cameron Green's salary for the season will be Rs 18 crore (USD 1.9 million), with the remaining amount allocated to the BCCI's player development program, as per auction rules for foreign players. Pathirana will receive the full amount since it fits within the salary cap.
Previously, Green played for Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, accumulating 707 runs and 16 wickets across 29 IPL matches.
Despite his recent strong performances, Shaw went unsold, as did Sarfaraz, who recently scored a rapid 73 runs off 22 balls in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match.
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 for a base price of Rs 1 crore. Spencer Johnson remained unsold, while Anrich Nortje, starting at Rs 2 crore, was picked up by LSG, who initiated the bidding for the South African pacer.
The mini auction featured a total of 359 players, including 246 Indians and 113 overseas players, with the 10 franchises competing to fill a maximum of 77 slots, including 31 reserved for foreign players.