After a day of IPL auctions, Sanjiv Goenka and Kumar Sangakkara discussed the breaking of the salary barriers, especially by Australian pace bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, who crossed the Rs 20 crore mark. The Rajasthan Royals coach noted that mini auctions are notorious for such breaches, especially when there’s a high purse and specific targets. Goenka added that these barriers were consistently breached each season, hinting that the Rs 25 crore barrier might be breached next time.
Reflecting on the significant leap, considering Rs 20 crore was the total salary cap in the inaugural year of the league, Venky Mysore, CEO and MD of Knight Riders, explained the rise in the salary cap over the 15 years of IPL. He highlighted the natural increase in player fees, given the higher salary cap, referencing the current cap of Rs 100 crore.
Starc became the costliest buy at Rs 24.75 crore, with other players acquired at their base prices. Knight Riders engaged in a bidding war with Gujarat Titans, who had the maximum purse. Despite starting with a lower balance, Knight Riders managed to secure Starc in a competitive auction.
Mysore revealed the dynamics of the auction, emphasizing that all teams operate within the same salary cap of Rs 100 crore. The beauty of the process, according to Mysore, lies in getting the desired player within the set budget. Despite the significant percentage of the purse allocated to Starc, the Knight Riders stuck to the salary cap, showcasing simplicity in their approach.
Reflecting on the auction dynamics, Mysore acknowledged luck’s role but also highlighted the importance of intent and determination. The decision not to secure certain players earlier allowed the Knight Riders to reserve funds for Starc, while the Titans, despite having the maximum money, couldn’t acquire their desired player. In the end, luck, strategy, and determination played crucial roles in shaping the outcomes of the IPL auction.
