Kyle Jamieson termed it “surreal”. Jyhe Richardson said it was “life changing”, while Tymal Mills referred to it as a “crazy experience”. The IPL auction has made a number of overnight, and unsuspecting, millionaires down the years, as franchises try to find any edge they can get over each other – no matter the cost. According to research by Cricket Bet India of every deal made since 2013, there have been 11 players to average over $1 million at auction. That includes one-offs like Mills, but also the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik, who have swapped teams a number of times. Ahead of the start of the 2021 season this month, here is a list of the players who have averaged the highest cost when they have gone under the hammer. Average price $2,045,387 The New Zealand all-rounder is under pressure to help cure Royal Challengers Bangalore’s bowling ills in his first IPL season, but will be well remunerated for his troubles. Average price $1,908,712 The 24-year-old Australian seamer termed the bid which took him to Punjab Kings this season as “life changing”. Average price $1,839,449 The England all-rounder is the highest value player among players who have been sold more than once at auction. Average price $1,635,284 Injury issues have stunted the English fast bowler’s progress, but he did have one huge IPL pay day. Average price $1,362,555 The Australian all-rounder has been in the auction five times – and fetched more than a million dollars on four of those occasions. Average price $1,180,313 Smashed the record for the highest price ever at an IPL auction when Rajasthan Royals bought the South African for this season. Average price $1,158,397 The Jamaican left-armer was a big money signing, but struggled in his debut season for Kings XI Punjab last season. Average price $1,113,889 The much-travelled wicketkeeper has been the most expensive Indian player at auctions. Average price $1,090,451 The Australian fast bowler became an IPL millionaire this year, after a bidding war between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. Average price $1,090,044 Six-hitting prowess and celebrity appeal meant Yuvraj regularly fetched top dollar at auction. Average price $1,035,929 If you believe Tim Paine, Ashwin has moved around the franchises because his teammates don’t like him. His finance manager must love him, though. Average price $981,624 The England fast bowler was an IPL millionaire long before he became an international star. Average price $981,040 Starc has been absent from the IPL for some time now, even though the Aussie quick is highly valued when he is available. Average price $919,725 A multiple title-winner, and a centurion in the 2018 final, it is fair to say Watson was worth the outlay. Average price $899,286 Became the costliest overseas signing till that point when Kolkata Knight Riders recruited him last season. Average price $885,661 The Afghan trailblazer has proved his worth since Sunrisers Hyderabad first took a chance on him. Average price $872,533 A serial champion, as his song goes, and enviably well off now, too. Average price $872,346 The South African left-hander is a well-travelled global T20 tourist. Average price $865,222 Five franchises have hired Pandey’s services down the years, and he has been prolific with the bat. Average price $865,222 Started out at Kings XI Punjab, and now part of future planning at Chennai Super Kings. Average price $844,784 Hoped to land a job in architecture in Dubai before he made it in cricket. IPL contracts can be lucrative, too.
