IPL 2024 Auction: CSK Acquires Mustafizur Rahman and Nostalgia with MS Dhoni Collision
Chennai Super Kings secured Bangladesh’s star fast bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, for a significant Rs 2 crore during the IPL 2024 auction. This acquisition means that Mustafizur will be playing under the captaincy of MS Dhoni in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. However, their collaboration comes with a touch of history, marked by an infamous ‘collision’ incident during an ODI match between India and Bangladesh in 2015.
‘Collision to Coalition’: CSK Reminisces Incident
CSK’s social media handle took to various platforms to share a reminder of the 2015 incident when Dhoni and Mustafizur collided during an ODI match, resulting in both players losing a percentage of their match fees. CSK shared the post with the caption, “From Collision to Coalition! It’s all #Yellove!” The light-hearted reference highlights the camaraderie between the two cricketers as they prepare to join forces in the IPL.
In a stunning turn of events, Mitchell Starc surpassed his Australian teammate Pat Cummins to become the most expensive buy in IPL history. Kolkata Knight Riders made a jaw-dropping bid of Rs 24.75 crore for the left-arm pacer, marking a significant milestone in IPL auction history.
The IPL auction witnessed unpredictable dynamics as one-third of the formidable Australian pace trio, Josh Hazlewood, surprisingly went unsold in the first round of bidding, despite a base price of Rs 2 crore. The auction unfolded with Gujarat Titans and KKR engaging in a prolonged and exhilarating bidding battle for Starc, ultimately securing a record deal.
Starc’s IPL History and Priorities
Starc, 33, who typically prioritizes international duties over IPL, decided to enter the auction with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup. Having played only two IPL seasons, he has taken 34 wickets in 27 games at an impressive average of 20.38. Starc’s significant payout in the auction surpassed the previous record held by Sam Curran, who was bought for Rs 18.50 crore last year by Punjab Kings.
Following Cummins’ unprecedented pay packet of Rs 20.50 crore from Sunrisers Hyderabad, a fierce bidding war ensued for the Australian fast bowling all-rounder. Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad were actively involved in raising their paddles to secure Cummins’ services. Ultimately, Sunrisers Hyderabad emerged victorious with a substantial bid for the talented player.
This isn’t the first time that Cummins has attracted substantial sums at the IPL auction. Ahead of the 2020 edition, Kolkata Knight Riders paid Rs 15.5 crore for his services, emphasizing the high demand and value placed on the Australian cricket star in the IPL ecosystem.
