IPL 2024 begins on Friday, starring some of the world`s best cricketers. Mid-Day highlights six who went for eye-watering sums at the player auction for the 17th edition of the richest Twenty20 league in the world:

Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) - The Australian is the most expensive buy in IPL history after Kolkata shelled out $2.98 million on the fast bowler and handy lower-order slugger. Starc, a left-arm swing exponent with 358 Test wickets, returns to the IPL nine years after he played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Videos of the 34-year-old bowling in training for Kolkata have generated huge interest on social media. Starc took 16 wickets in Australia`s 50-over World Cup triumph, including three in the final against hosts India.