In a record-breaking turn of events at the IPL auction, Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins emerged as the most expensive player in the tournament’s history, fetching a staggering Rs 20.5 crore deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The fierce bidding war initially involved Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), only to witness a surprising twist as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) joined the fray. However, it was Sunrisers Hyderabad who ultimately secured Cummins in a heated bidding battle.
Cummins, known for his lethal fast bowling, had previously been associated with Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In the 2020 auction, KKR had acquired him for a then-record sum of Rs 15.5 crore. Despite being released, the franchise bought him back for nearly a million dollars (Rs 7.25 crore) in a subsequent season.
The Australian pacer showcased his batting prowess with a remarkable 14-ball half-century while playing for KKR against Mumbai Indians in the 2022 IPL season, marking it as the joint second-fastest fifty in IPL history. Cummins has accumulated 45 wickets in 42 IPL appearances, maintaining an economy rate of 8.54, along with contributing 359 runs to his team.
Beyond his IPL exploits, Cummins has been a pivotal figure in Australian cricket, leading the team to triumph in the World Test Championship and retaining the Ashes in England. Additionally, he played a crucial role in Australia’s victory at home against India in the ODI World Cup.
During the auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad strategically acquired Cummins, along with Travis Head and Wanindu Hasaranga. Despite beginning with Rs 34 crore, the team’s aggressive bids left them with a remaining budget of just Rs 5.2 crore till the writing of this news.
As Cummins gears up to don the Sunrisers Hyderabad jersey, his astronomical price tag reflects not only his cricketing prowess but also the intense competition among franchises eager to secure a player of his caliber for the upcoming IPL season.