‘Who Will Give 21 Crores to Mitchell Starc in Australia?’: Sidhu on Mitchell Starc IPL Salary and the Brilliance of the League

Former India cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu has praised the Indian Premier League (IPL) for revolutionizing modern cricket by offering unprecedented financial rewards, especially for international stars like Mitchell Starc. His comments come amid widespread discussions surrounding Sidhu on Mitchell Starc IPL salary, highlighting how IPL has become a financial powerhouse.

IPL as a Marketing Powerhouse

Speaking at a media roundtable hosted by JioStar, Sidhu emphasized how the IPL has transformed the cricketing landscape. He described it as a “marketing manager’s dream,” noting how it has reversed trends from his playing days.

“Earlier, we would go to England in droves to play county cricket. Now, international players are queuing up to play in India. The reason is clear — the IPL is not just cricket, it’s a global event,” Sidhu said.

The statement that drew the most attention was his rhetorical question: “Who will give 21 crores to Mitchell Starc in Australia?” This bold comparison has since gone viral.

Sidhu on Mitchell Starc IPL Salary: Reflecting India’s Sporting Might

Sidhu on Mitchell Starc IPL salary isn’t just about numbers — it highlights India’s dominance in global cricket. Starc, the Australian fast bowler, became the most expensive player in IPL history after being signed for a staggering ₹21.5 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 auction.

Sidhu reiterated that this level of pay is unimaginable in Australia or most other cricketing nations.

“No board, not even Cricket Australia, would offer a player such a sum for a two-month tournament,” he said. “This shows how Indian cricket has grown. Today, Indian cricket can sell ice to Eskimos and sand to the Arabs,” he quipped.

Critics vs Reality: IPL’s Business Model

Sidhu acknowledged the critics of IPL and the big paychecks but was quick to defend the league. 

“There are many who criticize the commercialization of cricket through the IPL, but what they fail to understand is that this is the future,” he said.

He pointed out that the IPL has become the gold standard for franchise leagues worldwide. In his view, the league offers unmatched opportunities for cricketers — both financially and professionally. Once again, Sidhu on Mitchell Starc IPL salary became his go-to example to prove his point.

Generational Shift and New Talents

Another aspect Sidhu touched upon was the rise of young talent. While the focus was clearly on Sidhu on Mitchell Starc IPL salary, he did not miss the chance to appreciate youngsters like Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Riyan Parag, and Abhishek Sharma, who are making headlines.

“The new generation is fearless. But there is no clash between the golden generation and the bold generation. The golden generation has mentored and molded the bold ones. That’s the true beauty of Indian cricket.”

Even in this context, Sidhu returned to the same focal point: Sidhu on Mitchell Starc IPL salary as a metaphor for how much the league values performance — regardless of nationality.

Economic Boom for Indian Cricket

According to Sidhu, the IPL’s success has had a ripple effect across Indian cricket. State associations, young players, and even domestic tournaments are benefiting from the increased investment and attention.

Back in the day, if you made ₹1 lakh playing domestic cricket, it was a big deal. Now, uncapped Indian players are being picked for ₹5-10 crore. The IPL has changed lives,” “he said. But again, his point boiled down to the epic example: Sidhu on Mitchell Starc IPL salary.

IPL’s Role in India’s Global Sporting Image

Sidhu also highlighted the soft power IPL offers to India. 

“IPL is the best branding exercise India could ever hope for. It showcases not just talent, but also management, production, logistics, and passion,” he said.

The Sidhu on Mitchell Starc IPL salary discussion wasn’t merely about money. It was about the global image of India as a sports powerhouse. 

“When foreign players earn more in India than their home countries, it shows who’s running the show,” Sidhu added.

IPL’s Inevitable Evolution

The narrative around Sidhu on Mitchell Starc IPL salary is a symbolic one — representing the broader shift in cricketing economics and India’s dominance. Sidhu believes that the IPL is not only here to stay but will continue to grow in stature and financial power.

As players, fans, and boards debate over loyalty, scheduling, and player burnout, one fact remains undeniable: the IPL is the biggest stage in cricket today. And if Mitchell Starc’s IPL salary is anything to go by, the world is watching — and cashing in.