Pat Cummins Breaks IPL Auction Record with Rs 20.5 Crore Price Tag

Australian cricket star Pat Cummins has made history by becoming the costliest player in IPL history. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) signed him for a whopping Rs 20.5 crore, surpassing the previous record held by Sam Curran at Rs 18.5 crore.

The auction was intense, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) initially bidding for Cummins. However, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and SRH joined in, and SRH eventually secured him.

Cummins, previously with Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), was bought by KKR for Rs 15.5 crore in 2020. After being released, KKR bought him back for Rs 7.25 crore in later seasons. Notably, his 14-ball half-century for KKR against Mumbai Indians in 2022 is the second-fastest in IPL history.

Cummins has been a strong performer in the IPL, taking 45 wickets in 42 matches with an economy rate of 8.54 and scoring 359 runs. His stellar international achievements include leading Australia to the World Test Championship title in 2022, retaining the Ashes in England, and winning the ODI World Cup.

Cummins skipped the last IPL to manage his workload but is eager to return for the 2024 season as preparation for the T20 World Cup. Sunrisers Hyderabad, after signing Cummins, Travis Head, and Wanindu Hasaranga, now have Rs 5.2 crore left from their initial Rs 34 crore budget.

The acquisition of Cummins strengthens SRH’s bowling attack, and his addition brings proven talent to their squad for the upcoming IPL seasons 20.5 Crore Price Tag