Curran was bought by Punjab Kings, a franchise he played for in 2019.
Curran witnessed intense bidding with Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings frantically raising their paddles to secure the T20 World Cup Tournament Player Services.
In the end, it was the Punjab Kings who broke the bank to get Curran, who attracted the highest bid ever which surpassed the previous best buy of Rs 16.25 crore that the Royals of the Rajasthan had shelled out to nab South African all-rounder Chris Morris in 2021.
“I didn’t get much sleep last night, I was kind of excited, also nervous about how the auction was going to go. But yeah, absolutely overwhelmed and incredibly humbled to have managed to get this I did. I never had any expectations of getting that,” Curran said on Star Sports’ Cricket Live – Auction Special.
The versatile 24-year-old said he was happy to be back with the Punjab side, with whom he made his IPL debut in 2019. The Punjab Kings were then known as Kings XI Punjab.
“Obviously going back to where it all started for me in the IPL with Punjab, where I had my first season four years ago. So going back there sounds fantastic and I’m looking forward to joining some England team-mates like well,” Curran said.
After a brilliant outing in the T20 World Cup, Curran is eager to start his new journey with the Punjab Kings in the IPL.
“Yeah, I think it will be very different, but like I said, I know the stadium. I know Mohali quite well, so obviously it’s a small advantage to have familiar teammates who will help me.
“And yes, I feel confident for this tournament, where I won a fantastic World Cup. And yes, it’s amazing, I’m incredibly excited, there are only a few months left before I come to India, but it’s incredibly exciting,” he said.
“A huge opportunity, which I’m so excited about, it’s amazing as you can probably imagine. There’s so much going through my mind and yes, it’s absolutely amazing, very outdated.”
(With PTI entries)
