IPL Auction 2026: List of the Top 10 Most Expensive Players in IPL History

The IPL Auction 2026 created history as bidding wars reached unprecedented heights, reaffirming the Indian Premier League’s status as the world’s richest T20 league. The highlight of the auction was Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who became the third most expensive player in IPL history after being picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a massive ₹25.20 crore. This article looks at the top 10 most expensive players in IPL history, a key topic for sports current affairs and exam preparation.

Cameron Green’s Record-Breaking IPL 2026 Auction

Why Cameron Green’s Bid Was Special

• Bought by KKR for ₹25.20 crore
• Became the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history
• Surpassed earlier records held by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins

The bidding began at ₹2 crore with Mumbai Indians initiating interest. Soon, Rajasthan Royals, KKR, and later Chennai Super Kings (CSK) entered a fierce contest. Once the bid crossed ₹18 crore, additional amounts were directed to the IPL Player Welfare Fund, as per IPL auction rules. Eventually, KKR outbid CSK, sealing the deal at ₹25.20 crore.

Cameron Green’s IPL Performance So Far

• IPL 2023 (Mumbai Indians): 452 runs, including a 47-ball unbeaten century and 6 wickets
• IPL 2024 (RCB): 255 runs and 10 wickets from 13 matches; His all-round ability, age, and match-winning potential explain the intense bidding.

Top 10 Most Expensive Players in IPL History

Highest Auction Buys (Till IPL 2026)

1. Rishabh Pant – ₹27.00 crore

Lucknow Super Giants (IPL 2025)

2. Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 crore

Punjab Kings (IPL 2025)

3. Cameron Green – ₹25.20 crore

Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2026)

4. Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 crore

Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2024)

5. Venkatesh Iyer – ₹23.75 crore

Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2025)

6. Pat Cummins – ₹20.50 crore

Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL 2024)

7. Sam Curran – ₹18.50 crore

Punjab Kings (IPL 2023)

8. Arshdeep Singh – ₹18.00 crore

Punjab Kings (IPL 2025)

9. Yuzvendra Chahal – ₹18.00 crore

Punjab Kings (IPL 2025)

10. Cameron Green – ₹17.50 crore

Mumbai Indians (IPL 2023)

Key Trends from Expensive IPL Auctions

1. Rise of All-Rounders

Players like Cameron Green, Sam Curran, and Pat Cummins command premium prices due to their dual skill sets.

2. Aggressive Spending by KKR and PBKS

KKR features four times in the top 10 list

Punjab Kings have invested heavily in Indian core players

3. Growing Value of Indian Players

Indian stars like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, and Chahal dominate the top ranks, reflecting teams’ preference for long-term Indian talent.