The IPL 2026 auction witnessed a moment of history when Cameron Green emerged as one of the costliest signings the league has ever seen. Kolkata Knight Riders secured the Australian all-rounder for a staggering
₹25.20 crore, making him the third most expensive player in IPL history and the highest-priced overseas cricketer to go under the hammer.
Green's price tag surpassed previous records held by fellow Australians Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, underlining the premium franchises continue to place on fast-bowling all-rounders.
The bidding drama unfolded rapidly, beginning with Mumbai Indians setting the base at ₹2 crore. Rajasthan Royals and KKR soon joined the fray, pushing the figure beyond ₹8 crore within minutes.
Rajasthan Royals made a bold push, stretching their budget to ₹13.6 crore - a move that consumed over 80 percent of their available purse. However, once they bowed out, the contest intensified between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. CSK entered the auction late but showed no hesitation, aggressively driving the bid past the ₹18 crore mark, a point after which additional spending contributes to the IPL's player welfare fund.
What followed was a high-stakes duel, with both franchises exchanging rapid increments as the price soared beyond ₹23 crore. In the end, KKR held their nerve, sealing Green's services at ₹25.20 crore and rewriting auction records in the process.
Here's a look at the moment, when KKR lapped up Cameron Green.
📽️ Cameron Green is a KNIGHT 💜
- IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 16, 2025
The all-rounder had the auction room buzzing 🔥
He becomes the most expensive overseas pick in the history of #TATAIPLAuction 😮👏#TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/DtB9aixO3o
Green's IPL credentials justify the investment. During his debut season with Mumbai Indians in 2023, he delivered a standout campaign, amassing 452 runs, including a sensational unbeaten century off 47 balls, while also contributing six wickets. After being traded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024, Green endured a mixed season - briefly dropped midway - but still finished with 255 runs and 10 wickets from 13 matches.
With his move to KKR, Green now joins an elite list of record-breaking IPL signings. The top five most expensive players in league history currently stand as:
Most Expensive Buys In IPL History
- Rishabh Pant - ₹27.00 crore (LSG, IPL 2025)
- Shreyas Iyer - ₹26.75 crore (PBKS, IPL 2025)
- Cameron Green - ₹25.20 crore (KKR, IPL 2026)
- Mitchell Starc - ₹24.75 crore (KKR, IPL 2024)
- Venkatesh Iyer - ₹23.75 crore (KKR, IPL 2025)
As IPL auctions continue to redefine player valuations, Cameron Green's blockbuster signing reinforces how elite all-rounders remain the most coveted assets in the league.
