'Matter Of Perspective': KKR CEO Justifies Mitchell Starc's 24.75 Crores Auction Bid
KKR Staff At IPL 2024 Auction (X.com)
Kolkata Knight Riders scripted history during this year's IPL auction with its bullish approach. After passing on Pat Cummins, KKR went all in for Australian star pacer Mitchell Starc.
However, Gautam Gambhir faced stiff competition from his counterpart in GT, Ashish Nehra. The tense bid between the two sides scaled Starc's price to a whopping 24 crores. However, despite the record-breaking bid, neither GT nor KKR lowered its guard.
In the end, due to funds limitations, GT backed out, and KKR claimed the most expensive player in the history of IPL for an enormous salary of 24.75 crores. However, KKR faced backlash for pouring ridiculous amounts of money on a singular player.
KKR CEO Defends Team's Bullish Approach At IPL Auction
Amid criticism, KKR CEO Venky Mysore justified the team's stance. He said that the roadmap to distribute purse amounts during auctions is built on a franchise's perspective.
"Now it seems like wow, Rs 24.75. I was telling someone that the salary cap of a team when IPL started in 2008 was Rs 20 crore. So things have changed. When the auction is over, all the 10 teams are going to walk out having spent 100 crores and each team decides to slice it differently," Mysore said.
If one looks at the broader picture, each team ends up spending the same money. Mysore also acknowledged that IPL has evolved a lot since its inception, and the salary cap has been increased for a reason.
"So what you've paid to somebody ... is a matter of perspective. Ultimately, we're all spending the same amount of money," he added.
Overall, the KKR CEO affirmed that the team is extremely satisfied to have a bowler of Starc's caliber in the squad for the impending IPL season. He is a fabulous player and truly deserved 24.74 cr. worth contract.
"Obviously he (Strac) was a preferred player from skill set standpoint. It shows the value of the player and the skill set he (Starc) possesses. He's a fabulous player." Mysore said.
Before Mitchell Starc shattered league records, his Australian comrade, Pat Cummins, held the record of being the costliest auction pick. A desperate Sunrisers Hyderabad went over 20 crores to fetch the World Cup-winning captain to its side.
Indeed, the Australians were favorites for this auction. The infamous ODI World Cup went in the players' favour.
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