The Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just a cricket tournament; it’s a carnival of cricketing entertainment, glitz, glamour, and most importantly, unimaginable wealth. The IPL not only fills players’ pockets with hefty paychecks but also elevates their stature and recognition in the cricketing world, making it a dream platform for both Indian and international cricketers.
However, as the IPL continues to flourish, so does the scrutiny of player performances, and with it, the expectations associated with their salaries. Each year, we witness players raking in eye-watering sums of money, often surpassing their own and fans’ expectations. However, in some cases, these high-priced stars fail to deliver on the field, leading to whispers of hefty salary cuts in the upcoming auctions. Today, we delve into the potential salary woes of five players who might face drastic salary reductions in the IPL 2024 auction.
Sam Curran
In IPL 2023, Sam Curran made history by becoming the highest-bidding player ever, with the Punjab Kings shelling out a staggering Rs 18 crore for his services. However, what followed was a disappointing season for the all-rounder. Despite appearing in all 14 matches, Curran managed to secure just 10 wickets. His economy rate of 10.22 and a mind-boggling average of 480.5 for runs conceded made him a run-leaking machine. With such dismal performance, it’s almost certain that Curran’s wallet will feel considerably lighter in the IPL 2024 auction.
Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran, the West Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, was a high-profile acquisition by the Lucknow Super Giants, who paid him a hefty sum of Rs. 15 crore in IPL 2023. While Pooran’s overall performance was average, his 358 runs in 14 matches at an average of 28 didn’t quite justify his astronomical salary. As a result, it’s highly probable that Pooran will have to settle for a much-reduced paycheck in the future auctions.
Harry Brook
Harry Brook, the English sensation, created quite a buzz during the IPL 2023 auction when the Sunrisers Hyderabad secured his services for Rs 13.5 crore. Although he did manage to score a century during the season, his inconsistency overshadowed that single brilliant performance. With only 190 runs in 11 matches at an average of 21, Brook may find himself on the receiving end of a substantial salary cut in IPL 2024.
Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes, an England World Cup hero and one of the most renowned all-rounders globally, was the Chennai Super Kings’ third-most expensive signing in IPL 2023, with a price tag of Rs 16.25 crore. Despite his cricketing prowess, Stokes endured a dismal season, plagued by injuries that kept him on the bench for the majority of the tournament. He managed just two appearances, scoring 15 runs and failing to secure a wicket.
Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal, an IPL veteran who has been part of the league since 2011, was picked up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a whopping Rs 8.25 crore in IPL 2023. After being released by the Punjab Kings in 2022, SRH saw potential in Agarwal as a reliable batsman. However, both Agarwal and his team failed miserably, with the batsman managing just 270 runs in 10 matches.
