Breakdown Of Mitchell Starc’s IPL Salary Since Debut

Mitchell Starc, one of the most feared left-arm fast bowlers in world cricket, has undoubtedly made his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his searing pace, pinpoint yorkers, and ability to swing the ball both ways, Starc’s journey in the IPL has been a fascinating one. From record-breaking auctions to thrilling performances and unfortunate absences, his IPL career has been anything but ordinary.

In this article, we’ll dive into the highs and lows of Starc’s IPL journey, examining his match performances, his salary breakdown, and the major milestones that have defined his career in the IPL. Starc has always been more than just a bowler – he is a phenomenon that blends raw pace with a never-say-die attitude, making his story one of intrigue, drama, and celebration.

Early Days and Entry into the IPL

Mitchell Starc’s entry into the IPL came at a time when the tournament was already established as a global spectacle. By 2014, the IPL was known for attracting the world’s best cricketers, and Starc, having already made waves in international cricket, was seen as one of the most exciting fast bowlers on the planet.

2014-2015: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

In 2014, Starc was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for INR 5 crore. While his first season in the IPL was a mixed bag due to his injury struggles, it was in 2015 that he truly showcased his talent. Despite not playing the full 2014 season, Starc’s presence was keenly felt, especially in the 2015 campaign where he took 20 wickets and was instrumental in RCB’s mid-season resurgence. His pace and swing made him a formidable force in the IPL, and he quickly became one of the tournament’s most exciting fast bowlers.

RCB’s Starc Impact:

In his two years with RCB, Starc proved his worth, but he also faced injury setbacks that would go on to impact his IPL journey. His salary of INR 5 crore per season meant that RCB had invested heavily in his services, and Starc’s performances justified that investment to a large extent.

2014: Played only part of the season, showcasing glimpses of his ability.
2015: Starc played a pivotal role, claiming 20 wickets and propelling RCB into the playoffs.

By the end of 2015, Starc had earned ₹10 crore from RCB. However, things began to take an unexpected turn.

2016-2017: Injuries and Withdrawals

Starc’s next two years in the IPL were defined by injury and withdrawals, factors that would hinder his career progression in the tournament. In 2016, he suffered a foot fracture ahead of the IPL season and missed the entire year. Despite this, he still received his full INR 5 crore salary, a testament to RCB’s faith in his future performances.

In 2017, Starc withdrew voluntarily to focus on his preparations for the Champions Trophy, a major international tournament. This was another disappointing phase for IPL fans, as Starc’s absence meant that RCB would miss out on his services once again. Despite not playing, Starc was retained and paid his full contract amount, but he and RCB parted ways shortly before the 2018 IPL auction.

By the end of his time with RCB, Starc had earned ₹20 crore, but his IPL future remained uncertain.

2018-2019: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Missed Opportunities

In 2018, Starc made a much-anticipated move to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who secured him for a whopping INR 9.4 crore at the IPL auction. The deal marked a new chapter for Starc, but the excitement was short-lived. A tibial stress fracture ruled him out of the season before it began. Starc’s injury misfortunes continued to plague his IPL career, and he was unable to make his debut for KKR in 2018.

Despite his unavailability, Starc had taken out an insurance policy, and when the insurer failed to compensate him for the loss of the contract, he filed a lawsuit for INR 11.5 crore. This period was a tough one for Starc, as he had not only missed the IPL season but was also embroiled in legal battles related to his injury.

In 2019, KKR decided to release Starc ahead of the season, as he was not expected to be available due to his commitments to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. This meant that Starc earned nothing from the 2019 season, adding another chapter of frustration in his IPL journey.

KKR’s Record-Breaking Auction Return: 2024

After years of absences and missed seasons, Starc made a stunning return to the IPL in 2024. KKR went all out for the Australian pacer in the auction, securing him for a staggering INR 24.75 crore, making Starc the most expensive player in IPL auction history at the time. It was a deal that took the cricketing world by surprise, and expectations were high.

Starc’s return was marked by a relatively quiet start to the season. However, as the tournament progressed, the veteran pacer found his rhythm, and his impact was felt most during the crucial playoffs and the final. In a high-pressure final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Starc was the game-changer, picking up 2/14, which played a pivotal role in securing the 2024 IPL title for KKR. His stellar performance was a reminder of his class and why he remains one of the best in the business.

By the end of IPL 2024, Starc had earned ₹24.75 crore from KKR for the season.

2025: A New Chapter with Delhi Capitals (DC)

Starc’s IPL story took another exciting twist when he was picked up by Delhi Capitals (DC) for INR 11.75 crore in the 2025 auction. Despite being over 35 years of age, Starc continued to prove that he was one of the most dangerous white-ball pacers in the world.

In the 2025 IPL season, Starc once again showed his worth by delivering one of his most iconic performances. In a match against SRH, he bowled a destructive spell, picking up 5/35 – his first-ever five-wicket haul in the IPL. It was a spell that left the cricketing world in awe of his talent and reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest fast bowlers in T20 cricket.

By the end of the 2025 season, Starc had earned ₹11.75 crore from his stint with DC.

IPL Career Earnings Breakdown: A Rollercoaster Journey

Mitchell Starc’s IPL earnings story has been marked by incredible highs, painful lows, and some dramatic comebacks. Below is a detailed breakdown of his IPL earnings over the years:

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) (2014-2017)

2014: INR 5 crore (Played part of the season)
2015: INR 5 crore (Played full season)
2016: INR 5 crore (Did not play due to injury)
2017: INR 5 crore (Did not play, withdrew voluntarily)
Total from RCB: INR 20 crore

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) (2018-2019)

2018: INR 9.4 crore (Did not play due to injury)
2019: INR 0 (Released due to World Cup commitments)
Total from KKR: INR 9.4 crore

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) (2024)

2024: INR 24.75 crore (Played full season)
Total from KKR (2024): INR 24.75 crore

Delhi Capitals (DC) (2025)

2025: INR 11.75 crore (Played full season)
Total from DC (2025): INR 11.75 crore

Total Career IPL Earnings: INR 65.9 Crore

Starc’s IPL Legacy: An Epitome of Persistence and Excellence

Mitchell Starc’s IPL career is a story of resilience, excellence, and perseverance. Despite the injury setbacks and the gaps in his IPL journey, he has remained one of the most impactful bowlers in the tournament. His pace, skill, and temperament under pressure have made him a valuable asset to every team he has represented.

From his explosive start with RCB to his record-breaking return with KKR and his career-defining performances with Delhi Capitals, Starc has proven time and again that he is more than just a bowler; he is a match-winner.

As Starc continues to play a pivotal role in T20 cricket, the IPL will always remain a significant chapter in his illustrious career, where he has given fans some unforgettable moments of high-class fast bowling and unmatched spirit.

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