Evolution of IPL Auction: How player value has changed over the years

Over the years, the IPL (Indian Premier League) has set quite the standard for a franchise-based cricket tournament. Ever since its inception in 2008, the fans have been treated to exhilarating cricket matches, featuring players from all over the globe, as stars from different countries joined hands and played together.

Every year, one of the most important aspects ahead of each season of the IPL has been the auction. At the auction, the franchises buy the players who will represent them in the season. Furthermore, the team has the option to retain the important players ahead of a new season as well.

Over the years, it has seemed that the IPL auction has undergone inflation as well. As seen in the IPL 2024 auction, Australia pacer Mitchell Starc was the most expensive player of the event. Eventual winners Kolkata Knight Riders roped in the services of Starc for a whopping INR 24.75 crore.

This is in wild contrast to the prices dating back to the first IPL auction held before the 2008 edition. In the very first IPL auction, former India skipper MS Dhoni was the costliest player.

Chennai Super Kings roped in the services of Dhoni for INR 9.5 crore. Furthermore, in 2009, Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff were the joint costliest players, costing INR 9.8 crore each.

It can be noted that in the early years of the IPL, it was rare to see a player cross the 10 crore mark. However, in recent years, the 10 crore mark has been a regular occurrence. In the 2018 auction, Rajasthan Royals roped in Ben Stokes for INR 12.5 crore, and English all-rounder Sam Curran was bought by Punjab Kings for INR 18.5 crore.

It has been well established that player values have changed drastically over the years. Where legends like MS Dhoni were not crossing the 10 crore mark in 2008, the same price is given to several players in a side in 2024.