Chris Morris on big IPL deals for Starc, Cummins: “Brings additional pressure, but they’ll handle it”

The record-breaking bid of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2024 season was praised by former South African all-rounder Chris Morris, who was once the most expensive player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Morris said that although it will put pressure on Starc, the pacer will be able to justify it with his experience and performances. Just hours after his captain, Pat Cummins, broke the Rs 20 crore barrier when acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Starc made history by being the most expensive player in IPL history when he was purchased by KKR for an incredible Rs 24.75 crore at the Dubai auction in December of last year.

“It’s really good. We have no influence over the bidding. It’s fantastic that the world’s best cricket players earn the highest salaries when you compare their earnings to those of other sports. While this is a great accomplishment, there is more pressure now. However, Cummins and Starc are able to withstand that pressure, which is why their purchase price was so high. They are really hot right now and performing really well,” Morris told ANI. Morris stated that it’s totally acceptable to create pitches that work for home teams and their individual performances. The second Test between South Africa and India took place in Cape Town and was completed in a mere two days, requiring the bowling of 642 balls—the fewest ever Tests.

After a low-scoring second Test between India and South Africa, the International Cricket Council (ICC) recently rated the Newlands pitch in Cape Town as “unsatisfactory”. Morris commented that both teams bring out the best in one another during India’s entire tour to South Africa, which saw India win the T20I and ODI series and draw the red-ball leg. “When we compete against one another, it brings out the best in us both. At times, the series was equally amazing. Conditions varied from time to time. In Cape Town, we could have had more. However, you must place the ball in the proper spot, as the Indians did, and they defeated us. “It was a fantastic series, best against the best,” Morris remarked.

Morris commented about the current SA20 season two, saying, “Aside from the cricket, I think what’s most exciting for me is that the crowds are getting bigger. We are into game two.” Supporting sports is one thing that South Africans have always excelled at. However, the stadiums have been jam-packed with fans thanks to this league, particularly last year, and cricket is once again a very exciting sport in South Africa.The cricket has performed admirably.” Morris added that although it can’t be compared to the IPL, South African cricket has greatly benefited since the league’s inaugural season last year. “There is no league like the Indian Premier League (IPL); it is the biggest in the world, which is why everyone aspires to play in it. So it’s a little challenging to compare them. However, it has greatly improved South Africa’s cricket game.”