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Published 17:18 IST, December 20th 2023

Kohli or Bumrah must be thinking what is going on': Anil Kumble baffled by price for Starc-Cummins

Following Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc's historic day at the 2024 IPL auction, Anil Kumble questioned the teams' outrageous expenditure on foreign players.

Reported by: Daisy Mehta
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Anil Kumble became the fastest bowler to reach 600 Test wickets and still holds the record.
Anil Kumble became the fastest bowler to reach 600 Test wickets and still holds the record. | Image: AP

Following the record-breaking day at the 2024 IPL auction for Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, Anil Kumble questioned the teams for having massive expenditures on foreign players.

The first two cricket players in IPL history to sell for more over ₹20 crore were Starc and Cummins. With ₹24.75 crore, Starc broke the record acquired by KKR, and Cummins came in second with ₹20.50 crore going off to SRH. 

3 things you need to know:

  • Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were the most expensive buys in IPL Auction
  • Anil Kumble expresses his displeasure after both overseas players attain the highest bid
  • Kumble gave his strong opinion

Also Read: 'I don't think they got it' : Ex-RCB captain voices concern over team's strategy in IPL 2024 auction

Anil Kumble left baffled after Cummins and Starc get the highest bid

Speaking to Jio Cinema, Kumble expressed his confusion at the Australian duo's higher bids just by participating in the auction, as opposed to Indian stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.

"I mean, there is Jasprit Bumrah, right? He is the best all-format bowler in the world but just because he is already with a franchise, he cannot enjoy the perks on being part of an auction process. And someone like Starc, who hasn't had the greatest form in T20Is, is earning a fortune. I can only imagine that someone like Virat Kohli or Bumrah must be watching this and thinking what is going on," said Kumble.

Starc, incidentally, has not participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since his time in 2014 and 2015 with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Cummins, meanwhile, missed the previous IPL season and only appeared in five games for KKR in 2022 before having a hip injury that forced him to return home. 

Also Read: 'Saved nearly 10 crore': Ricky Ponting reveals Delhi Capitals strategy, talks about Brook signing

"Franchise needs to set a limit on the money they will spend on an overseas player" - Anil Kumble

In the IPL auction, Anil Kumble urged the franchises to place a limit on how much they might spend on foreign players.

In addition to Starc and Cummins,  international players like  Spencer Johnson, Alzarri Joseph, and Daryll Mitchell all received enormous money..

The Gujarat Titans (GT), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have paid more than ₹ 10 crore for the trio. 

"I'm happy for the teams but I really feel that every franchise needs to set a limit on the money they will spend on an overseas player, or the bracket of foreigners. ₹20 crore is a mad amount. I know that these are quality players but Mitchell Starc being offered almost ₹25 crore is pretty surprising to say the least," said Kumble.

On a momentous day at the 2024 IPL auction, Harshal Patel was the only Indian to rank among the top five most expensive signings, at ₹11.75 crore.

The bowling all-rounder who was released by the RCB prior to the auction and now is signed by the Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Updated 17:18 IST, December 20th 2023