'Justified for putting country first': Alyssa Healy on Mitchell Starc’s record IPL bid

Australia women’s team captain and Mitchell Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, was all joy after the pacer bagged a record-breaking deal at the IPL 2024 Auction. Healy said that the Rs 24.75 crore price tag serves as a well-deserved acknowledgment of dedicated effort, commitment and for prioritising country first. In a landmark moment during the IPL 2024 auction, Starc, who will be making a return to IPL after an eight-year hiatus, was one of the biggest names. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) snapped up the pacer with an astonishing bid of Rs. 24.75 crore, making Starc the most expensive player in IPL history. There were multiple teams taking part in the bidding for Starc, but the final showdown was between KKR and Gujarat Titans. Both teams did not budge and kept raising the paddle - but in the end, Gujarat Titans withdrew, allowing Kolkata to secure Starc. Currently in India for a multi-format series, starting with the one-off Test against India, Healy shared with the media her excitement for Starc. “Look, it is what it is. It is an amazing moment for Mitch. It is a great justification for the hard work he has put in and (for) probably some of the choices he has made over the last eight years to put his country first,” said Healy.

Healy also clarified that she was nowhere close to a glass of beer after a video did the rounds of her seemingly celebrating. She clarified that she was actually in the gym, and was focused on her training but also witnessing the auction unfold. “I was actually in the gym, not thinking of beers, working hard (and) watching it all unfold. (It was an) amazing day for him and Pat (Cummins),” said Healy.