The IPL 2024 mini-auction witnessed unprecedented highs with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins breaking records to become the highest-priced players in auction history, fetching INR 24.75 Crore and INR 20.5 Crore respectively. However, amidst the buzz of big deals, several notable players surprisingly went unsold, raising eyebrows in the cricketing world.
Steve Smith: Known for his consistency and astute batting, Steve Smith entered the auction with a base price of INR 2 Crore. Despite his impressive track record and recent form with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League 2022, Smith failed to attract any bids, even during the accelerated bidding phase.
Philip Salt: The English wicketkeeper-batsman made headlines with a blazing 109* (56) against the West Indies in the 3rd T20I, showcasing his explosive batting prowess. Despite this, Salt went unsold at a base price of INR 1.50 Crore, surprising many given his recent performances.
Josh Hazlewood: With his consistent performances and accuracy, Hazlewood is a sought-after pace bowler in international cricket. However, his unavailability in March-April due to personal reasons, as he expects his first child, might have led to his unsold status. Hazlewood will only be available from the first week of May, potentially impacting his appeal to franchises during the auction.
Josh Inglis: The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman made headlines with a breathtaking century (110 off 50) in the first T20I against India in Visakhapatnam. Despite this remarkable performance, Inglis remained unsold with a base price of INR 2 Crore, surprising many fans and experts alike.
Tabraiz Shamsi: South African left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi is known for his impressive performances in T20Is, boasting 78 wickets from 65 innings at an average of 22.20 and an economy of 7.38. Despite his recent Player of the Match performance against India, Shamsi went unsold with a base price of INR 50 Lakh, leaving many surprised at the lack of interest from franchises.
These unsold players highlight the unpredictability of auctions, where performance on the field does not always translate into demand at the bidding table. While some players fetched record-breaking deals, others, despite their talent and recent performances, were left without a bid, showcasing the dynamic nature of the IPL auctions and the diverse strategies adopted by franchises in building their squads for the upcoming season.
The absence of bids for these players has sparked discussions among fans and experts about the factors influencing auction dynamics and the strategies adopted by franchises in shaping their teams for IPL 2024.
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