Watch: Mitchell Starc Gives It Back to Ex-Teammate Who Teased Him for Rs 24.75 Cr IPL Contract

Mitchell Starc shattered all the records by becoming the most expensive buy in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The left-arm quick bagged a massive deal worth INR 24.75 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 players’ auction in Dubai.

Not only in India but Starc’s price tag seems to have caused a stir in the Australian cricket fraternity as well.

On Tuesday, former pacer Trent Copeland tried pulling Starc’s leg during a conversation on 7Cricket as Australia locked horns with Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test. During the rain interruption, Starc joined the broadcasters’ panel, comprising Ricky Ponting and Copeland.

As the conversation went on, Copeland tried mocking Starc with a gesture of ‘coughing money’. He coughed a bit, bringing a currency note out of his hands, saying, “Sorry… Stitch up, mate.” The former cricketer’s act left everyone in splits.

As the currency fell on the floor, Starc picked it up and put it back in Copeland’s pocket, saying, “You might need that, mate.”

While KKR broke the bank to get Starc on board, Pat Cummins claimed the second-highest bid as the World Cup-winning captain joined Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20.50 crore.

‘Don’t regret remaining away from IPL’

After bagging a hefty deal, Starc said he doesn’t regret missing out on the last eight editions of the cash-rich tournament.

“I made some choices, which I don’t regret at all. I think it’s probably helped my Test career, so I’m very happy with how it’s all gone. Very grateful to have some interest in the auction and excited, thrilled, and surprised. There are plenty of words you can describe the night,” Starc said on LiSTNR Sport podcast.

Starc returns to IPL after 8 years

The left-arm pacer last appeared for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2015. He has played 27 matches in the league and has picked up 34 wickets at an economy rate of 7.17 with a four-wicket haul to his name.

He was bought by KKR in 2018 auction but the Australian pacer was ruled out due to a stress fracture in his right leg.