Sam Curran creates history by becoming the most expensive player sold at the Indian T20 League auction

On Friday, December 23, England star all-rounder Sam Curran became the most expensive player in the history of the Indian T20 League on Friday. He was sold for Rs. 18.50 crores to the Punjab franchise.

Chris Morris, a South African all-rounder, who was acquired by the Rajasthan franchise for Rs. 16.25 crore in the Indian T20 League mini-auction in 2021, had previously held the milestone.

There was a bidding war between teams like Punjab, Bangalore, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Chennai. However, the English all-rounder was grabbed by the Punjab franchise for Rs 7.2 crore during the auction leading up to the Indian T20 League 2019 before being released prior to the 2020 season. Finally, the Chennai franchise purchased him for Rs. 5.5 crore.

Prior to the 2022 mini-auction, Curran expressed his desire to obtain a favorable deal but acknowledged that being in the same “bracket” as players like Ben Stokes and a select few others might hurt his prospects.

Sam Curran the star performer of 20-20 World Cup

“I’ve been in previous auctions (as well); you go in with your base price. I’ll be watching (the auction) on TV. On Friday morning, I guess, when your name comes up, you just say ‘keep the paddle up there’,” Curran said in a video posted by ‘The Telegraph’.

The star all-rounder was named the player of the tournament following his team’s five-wicket win over Pakistan in the 2022 20-20 World Cup final held in Australia.

Curran, who returned from injury earlier this year, was recognized for his outstanding figures of three for 12 in four overs during the title match. His 13 wickets in total at an outstanding economy rate of 6.52 runs per over helped his team win the event.

In the cash-rich league, Curran has had some success with the ball, taking 32 wickets in as many games, including a four-for. While being frequently promoted by four-time winners to number three, he has also played a few vital innings for the Yellow Army. He has so far scored 995 runs in 32 games.