The Indian Premier League has always been more than just on-field action, but also the drama behind the scenes. Every year, as soon as a season ends, the focus
instantly shifts to the trade window and auction, where teams rethink their strategies, revamp their squads, and make tough financial choices.
Over the years, the IPL has seen some exceptionally expensive trade deals, with franchises willing to spend massive sums to secure the right talent. Big-money swaps, all-cash transfers, often make headlines as teams look to balance their purse while strengthening their squad. This year, too, the league has seen some surprising and expensive trades take place.
Here are the top 5 most expensive trades in IPL history
5. Shardul Thakur: DC to KKR (10.75 crore), 2023
Indian bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur’s high-profile trade from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2023 came on the back of strong performances for India and an impactful 2022 IPL season, where he picked 15 wickets. His ability prompted KKR to spend INR 10.75 crore in an all-cash trade.
However, the 2023 season didn’t go the way KKR had hoped. Shardul managed just seven wickets in 9 innings, conceding runs at an expensive economy of 10.47. While he showed flashes of his hitting ability, scoring 68 runs at a strike rate of 161.42, he couldn’t deliver consistently with either the ball or the bat. The franchise was released after one season.
4. Ravindra Jadeja: CSK to RR (14 crore), 2026
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s move from Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026 is another trade on this list. After 12 seasons with CSK, the star all-rounder returned to the franchise where his IPL career began. The trade involved a major swap with Jadeja, and Sam Curran going to RR, while CSK received Sanju Samson.
Jadeja’s fee was revised from INR 18 crore to INR 14 crore. Despite the pay cut, the deal brings back a player who once helped them win the inaugural IPL title, while also adding Curran’s abilities. Despite the emotional farewell, Jadeja expressed excitement about returning to RR, hoping to script another championship run with the franchise.
3. Hardik Pandya: GT to MI (15 crore), 2024
Hardik Pandya’s trade from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians in 2024, worth INR 15 crore, grabbed immense attention. After two successful years with GT, including a title win and a strong captaincy record, his return to MI created massive hype. The biggest talking point came when Mumbai handed him the captaincy, replacing Rohit Sharma.
Throughout the season, whenever Hardik walked out, he faced loud boos from sections of the crowd. Many supporters were unhappy about the leadership change, even though Hardik had been a crucial part of MI’s earlier success. Despite the noise, the franchise backed him strongly, believing in his all-around ability and long-term value.
2. Cameron Green: MI to RCB (17.5 crore), 2024
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was traded from the Mumbai Indians (MI) to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2024, making it the now the second most expensive transfer. Green was traded for a whopping INR 17.5 crore in an all-cash deal. MI released him mainly to make space for Hardik Pandya’s return, and RCB took the opportunity to add an all-rounder to their squad.
Green had enjoyed a strong 2023 season with MI, including a brilliant 47-ball century. His performances made him one of the most sought-after players in the league, and RCB hoped he would boost their middle order and become a reliable fast-bowling option. However, Green’s stint with RCB in IPL 2024 did not deliver the impact many expected. He scored 255 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 143.25 and also contributed with the ball, taking 10 wickets. His season ended early due to injury, ruling him out of IPL 2025 as well.
1. Sanju Samson: RR to CSK (18 crore), 2026
Star Indian batter Sanju Samson’s transfer from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings for INR 18 crore has officially become the biggest and most expensive trade in IPL history. For more than a decade, Samson was the face of RR, playing 177 matches and leading them to the 2022 final.
But ahead of IPL 2026, his desire for a new team made way for a blockbuster trade, leading CSK to give Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. CSK, long in search of a dependable Indian wicketkeeper-batter for the post-MS Dhoni era, finally secured the Kerala-born.
