Tom Moody’s forecast for the IPL 2024 auction predicts Steve Smith’s absence from selection while speculating that Mitchell Starc will surpass Sam Curran’s record-breaking bid of Rs 18.50 crore.
The upcoming IPL 2024 auction is generating immense anticipation with a roster of 333 cricketers set for bidding in Dubai. Among them, 214 are Indian players, 119 hail from overseas (including 2 from associate nations), with 116 capped and 215 uncapped players. Notably, 77 slots are up for grabs, with 30 designated for overseas recruits. Among the key attractions are 23 players listed at the highest reserve price of INR 2 crore, while 13 players seek a base price of INR 1.5 crore.
The auction buzz centers around potential record-breaking bids, especially with notable Australian talents like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head. Former SunRisers coach Tom Moody, foreseeing the auction dynamics, predicted Steve Smith’s potential unsold status and envisions an all-time record-breaking bid.
“Steve Smith, I don’t think, will get picked up in the auction this year. Secondly, Mitchell Starc will break the all-time auction record which is currently held by Sam Curran for Rs 18.50 crore. I think he will go beyond that,” Moody told ESPNCricinfo.
“Shahrukh Khan, I think, will be picked up by CSK, and it won’t be too far from what he had been released for by Punjab Kings, which was around Rs 9 crore. Gujarat Titans will have the largest purse remaining after the auction. And finally, the World Cup will have significant impact on the players picked. They are likely to have big payday,” he added.
Gujarat Titans, the IPL 2023 runners-up, lead the purse with Rs 38.15 crore, while Sunrisers Hyderabad, last year’s bottom-placed team, possesses Rs 34 crore. Kolkata Knight Riders have Rs 32.7 crore, followed by Chennai Super Kings (Rs 31.4 crore), Punjab Kings (Rs 29.1 crore), and other teams ranging from Rs 13.15 crore to Rs 38.15 crore.
Last Updated on December 19, 2023
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