Mitchell Starc's IPL Value Finalized? Aakash Chopra Reveals Striking Price Update
Aakash Chopra expects Australian pacer Mitchell Starc to be getting an exorbitant bid at the IPL 2024 auction. However, he is unsure if such a purchase would be a sagacious call from the franchise’s perspective. Mitchell Starc hasn’t featured in the Indian Premier League since the 2015 edition. However, he decided to put his name in this year’s auction list having a base price of INR 2 crores.
Aakash Chopra was asked whether Mitchell Starc will be the most expensive purchase in the IPL 2024 auction on the AakashVani show on Sports 18, to which he replied, “It’s a million-dollar question and he will take a million dollars as well. I am saying AUD (Australian dollars) will take the most money after INR (Indian rupees). More money might go to AUD than INR in this auction because you don’t have too many Indian players in the auction.”
The cricketer-turned-commentator acknowledged that the Australian left-armer has a much-needed skillset in his arsenal. He elaborated, “Whoever plays in Australia has registered his name and Mitchell Starc is the most discussed name in that. What does Mitchell Starc bring? He is a gun bowler with the new ball and does amazingly well at the death. His IPL numbers are very good, performed very well when he played for RCB.”
Aakash Chopra revealed that five franchises are targeting Mitchell Starc and would bid for him as he has heard from unverified sources. Starc is a skillful player and will be a key asset to any team that gets his services in the IPL 2024.
Mitchell Starc’s Sketchy History Might Cost Him A Better Bid
However, Aakash Chopra feels Mitchell Starc’s sketchy history of availability might cost him a better bid at the auctions. He observed, “However, he has cheated teams so many times after that. Cheating is not a word you should use lightly but that’s what you feel when you bid for him and he says that he won’t come when the tournament is about to start because he wants to focus on the Ashes or the World Cup, or has some personal issues.”
The former India opener reckons franchises might go for slightly more reliable options. He said, “Suddenly your money gets released but what will you do with money because you don’t have players of that quality left? In this auction also, apart from Mitchell Starc, you will have Gerald Coetzee, Josh Hazlewood, Dilshan Madushanka and Ben Dwarshuis, maybe not the same quality but the truth is that they will be there.”
Aakash Chopra highlighted that none of the other quality pacers will be available if Mitchell Starc decides to withdraw his name after being bought at the auction. Sceptically, he added that it won’t surprise him if the Australian fast-bowler goes for a massive amount. Chopra cited the example of Jofra Archer, who was purchased by the Mumbai Indians for INR 8 crores at the IPL 2022 auction even after being informed about his unavailability in that season.
The IPL Auctions will take place on December 19 and will hopefully see Mitchell Starc going under the hammer after a long time. It will be interesting to see which team will get the services of former Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer.
