All eyes were on the England T20 World Cup-winning player Sam Curran as he was expected to fetch the biggest price at the IPL Auction 2023. And as expected, he shattered the all-time auction record as he became the most expensive Indian Premier League buy after he was acquired for Rs 18.50 crore by Punjab Kings. Curran surpassed the record of South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris, who was bought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 16.25 crore in the 2021 mini-auction.
As soon as his name was announced, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings were indulged in an intense bidding war during the mini-auction on Friday, December 23. Ultimately, Punjab Kings bought him for a mind-boggling sum of ₹18.5 crores following an intense bidding war. Additionally, Sam has also become the most expensive Englishman in the league, surpassing Ben Stokes’ existing ₹14.25 crore price tag.
It has to be noted that Curran was picked up for INR 7.2 crore by Punjab Kings in the auctions ahead of the IPL 2019 however he was released ahead of the 2020 season of the IPL. He finally joined Chennai Super Kings for INR 5.5 crore and was a part of the title-winning squad in 2021. Curran decided to skip the tournament in the subsequent edition.
For the unversed, Sam Curran’s stakes rose after he endured a stellar campaign for the England cricket team at the T20 World Cup 2022, where he was also adjudged the Player of the Tournament. He played a big part in England’s run to the trophy, emerging as a key bowler in the death overs and a useful wicket-taker for England. He ended the tournament with 13 wickets to his name. His figures were even more impressive, considering the times when England opted to use him, with the majority of his overs coming either at the back of an innings or during the Powerplay.
Meanwhile, fans on social media went berserk after Sam Curran became the most expensive buy in the history of this league. There were many who came up with hilarious memes and jokes while reacting to the big deal.
Check out the reactions of fans to this:
Sam Curran after the IPL bidding: pic.twitter.com/JTH1uuoUqP
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 23, 2022
Sam Curran right now: pic.twitter.com/gDhUyVdcUf
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) December 23, 2022
Record broken, Raining currencies in Sam Curran’s garden..deservedly so.. #IPLAuction
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) December 23, 2022
All engineers meanwhile asking … Kitne ka package Mila Sam Curran ko ? #iplauction2023
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) December 23, 2022
💰Sam Curran is the most expensive player in IPL history: signed by Trevor Bayliss’ Punjab Kings for INR 18.5 crore (£1.85 million approx)
SIX-way bidding war between MI, RCB, RR, CSK, PK and LSG
Will link up with Liam Livingstone and Jonny Bairstow in IPL 2023
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) December 23, 2022
At 18.5 crore ($AU3.33m) to Punjab Kings, Sam Curran becomes the most expensive player in #IPLAuction history, surpassing Chris Morris (16.25 crore in 2021). @FoxCricket
— Max Laughton (@maxlaughton) December 23, 2022
Sam Curran right now!! 🤑🤑🤑#IPL2023 #IPLAuctions pic.twitter.com/cve75P1dAr
— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) December 23, 2022
SAM CURRAN 18.5 Crore 🤯
Most expensive player in IPL history! @CurranSM #IPLAuction— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) December 23, 2022
Sam Curran (at 18.50 cr for Punjab Kings) becomes the most expensive player in IPL history.
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) December 23, 2022
The historic moment – highest paid player in the history of IPL – Sam Curran. pic.twitter.com/Fc2ETvNH6e
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 23, 2022
Sam Curran is officially the most expensive player in IPL history.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) December 23, 2022
Sam Curran sold at Rs. 18.50 cr
Pakistani players watching: pic.twitter.com/7D09OIjKcY
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 23, 2022