IPL Auction Expensive Players: Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction has been a stage where talent gets rewarded - often in spectacular fashion.
Over the years, franchises have not hesitated to break the bank for players they believe can transform fortunes, lead teams, or provide match-winning impact. From early bidding wars to eye-watering figures attracted by players in , the list of the most expensive players in IPL history reflects how the league - and its economics - has evolved.
The New Era of Mega Buys (2024-2026)
Rishabh Pant currently tops the list after being bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27.00 crore in the 2025 auction, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Pant's value stemmed from his Indian status, wicketkeeping ability,
leadership potential and match-winning batting.
Just behind him is Shreyas Iyer, snapped up by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore in the same auction. A proven IPL captain and reliable middle-order batter, Iyer's price underlined the growing importance of leadership-ready Indian players.
The saw another milestone as Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player ever, with Kolkata Knight Riders paying ₹25.20 crore. Green's pace-bowling ability, power hitting and age profile made him a long-term investment.
Meanwhile, Heinrich Klaasen entered the elite bracket in 2025 after Sunrisers Hyderabad paid ₹23.00 crore, reflecting the premium placed on destructive wicketkeeper-batters in modern T20 cricket.
The Australian Dominance at the Top
Australian players have consistently commanded huge prices in recent auctions.
In IPL 2024, Mitchell Starc rewrote records when KKR paid ₹24.75 crore, making him the most expensive player at the time. His ability to strike with the new ball and deliver in pressure situations justified the massive outlay.
That same auction also saw Pat Cummins go for ₹20.50 crore to Sunrisers Hyderabad, highlighting how fast-bowling all-rounders with leadership credentials are valued at the very top.
Early Record-Breakers Who Changed the Market
Before the recent surge, several players had already pushed the ceiling higher.
- Sam Curran became the most expensive player of the IPL 2023 auction when Punjab Kings paid ₹18.50 crore, banking on his left-arm pace and finishing ability.
- Cameron Green, before his 2026 record, had already gone for ₹17.50 crore to Mumbai Indians in 2023, placing him among the biggest buys of that era.
- Ben Stokes was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for ₹16.25 crore in 2023, primarily for his leadership and big-match pedigree.
Chris Morris and the Shift in Spending Power
In IPL 2021, Chris Morris became the most expensive player ever at the time when Rajasthan Royals paid ₹16.25 crore. His record stood as a marker of how franchises were beginning to value multi-skilled overseas all-rounders more aggressively.
Indian Icons and Long-Standing Records at IPL Auctions
Long before the recent auction explosions, Indian stars had set benchmarks that lasted years.
- Yuvraj Singh was bought by Delhi Daredevils, now Delhi Capitals, for ₹16.00 crore in 2015, a record for Indian players that stood for nearly a decade.
- Ishan Kishan fetched ₹15.25 crore from Mumbai Indians in 2022, becoming the most expensive Indian player at that time due to his age, explosiveness and wicketkeeping skills.
Most Expensive IPL Auction Buys
| Rank | Player | Role | Price | Team | Country | Auction Year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | Batter | ₹27.00 Cr | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | India | 2025 | Most expensive IPL auction buy |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | Batter | ₹26.75 Cr | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | India | 2025 | Second Most Expensive buy in IPL history |
| 3 | Cameron Green | Batter | ₹25.20 Cr | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Australia | 2026 | Most expensive overseas player |
| 4 | Mitchell Starc | Bowler | ₹24.75 Cr | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Australia | 2024 | Former all-time IPL record |
| 5 | Heinrich Klaasen | Wicketkeeper-Batter | ₹23.00 Cr | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | South Africa | 2025 | Highest amount for a retained overseas player |
| Pat Cummins | All-rounder | ₹20.50 Cr | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | Australia | 2024 | Most Expensive Buy of all-time before Starc surpassed him in the same auction | |
| 7 | Sam Curran | All-rounder | ₹18.50 Cr | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | England | 2023 | Most expensive English player |
| 8 | Cameron Green | All-rounder | ₹17.50 Cr | Mumbai Indians (MI) | Australia | 2023 | Earlier record buy |
| 9 | Ben Stokes | All-rounder | ₹16.25 Cr | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | England | 2023 | Most Expensive CSK player at auction |
| 10 | Chris Morris | All-rounder | ₹16.25 Cr | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | South Africa | 2021 | Record at the time |
| 11 | Nicholas Pooran | Wicketkeeper-Batter | ₹16.00 Cr | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | West Indies | 2023 | - |
| 12 | Yuvraj Singh | All-rounder | ₹16.00 Cr | Delhi Daredevils | India | 2015 | Longest-standing Indian record |
| 13 | Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper-Batter | ₹15.25 Cr | Mumbai Indians (MI) | India | 2022 | - |
| 14 | Jos Buttler | Wicketkeeper-Batter | ₹15.00 Cr | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | England | 2018 | - |
