LPL 2024 Auction: The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 auction, held in Colombo on May 21, was a thrilling event that saw a total of 114 players sold, with young sensation Matheesha Pathirana becoming the most expensive player in LPL history. This year’s auction marked only the second time the LPL has used an auction format, moving away from the draft method employed in its first three editions.
Let’s have a look into more details : LPL 2024 Auction
Pathirana Breaks Records
In a high stakes bidding war, Matheesha Pathirana emerged as the auction’s biggest star. Known for his unorthodox slinging bowling action reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, Pathirana was snapped up by the Colombo Strikers for an unprecedented $120,000. This fee eclipses the previous record of $92,000 set by Dilshan Madushanka. The Strikers used their Right to Match (RTM) card to secure Pathirana, who is also a key player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, where he earns significantly less.
Big Spends and Team Investments
Teams were not shy about opening their wallets. The defending champions, B-Love Kandy, invested $499,000 in 22 players. The Jaffna Kings closely followed with a $490,000 spend on 24 players. Dambulla Thunders built their 24-player roster with a $450,000 investment. Colombo Strikers topped the spending list, laying out $500,000 for 20 players, including Pathirana. Galle Marvels also made significant purchases, matching Jaffna Kings with 24 players for $496,000.
Here’s a breakdown of the total spend and player distribution across teams:
| Team | Total Players | Domestic Players | International Players | Total Spend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-Love Kandy | 22 | 16 | 6 | $499,000 |
| Jaffna Kings | 24 | 18 | 6 | $490,000 |
| Dambulla Thunders | 24 | 18 | 6 | $450,000 |
| Colombo Strikers | 20 | 14 | 6 | $500,000 |
| Galle Marvels | 24 | 18 | 6 | $496,000 |
Top Buys and Notable Signings
The auction saw some hefty bids for several players.
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Following Pathirana, the most expensive picks were:
- Matheesha Pathirana (Colombo Strikers) – $120,000
- Isuru Udana (Galle Marvels) – $100,000
- Dasun Shanaka (B-Love Kandy) – $85,000
- Karim Janat (Dambulla Thunders) – $80,000
- Rilee Rossouw (Jaffna Kings) – $60,000
Karim Janat became the most expensive international player, with the Dambulla Thunders paying $80,000 for his services. Notable international signings also included Hazratullah Zazai, secured by the Thunders for $50,000, and South African batsman Rilee Rossouw, who joined the Jaffna Kings for $60,000.
Unsold Stars
While the auction saw intense competition for many players, some high-profile names went unsold. South African pacer Lungi Ngidi, who missed IPL 2024 due to injury, and New Zealand’s Martin Guptill, were among the notable players who did not attract any bids.
Other unsold stars included:
- Rassie Van Der Dussen (South Africa)
- Vishwa Fernando (Sri Lanka)
- Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)
With the auction complete, teams are now gearing up for the fifth season of the Lanka Premier League, which kicks off on July 1 and concludes with the final on July 21. The tournament promises exciting cricketing action, featuring a mix of local talent and international stars, all vying for the coveted LPL trophy.
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