From Yuvraj to Pant: The billion-rupee evolution of IPL spending
From Yuvraj’s ₹16 crore deal in 2015 to Pant’s ₹27 crore record in 2025, IPL salaries have skyrocketed — a decade of auctions that turned cricket into a billion-rupee spectacle.
- Nov 21, 2025,
- Updated Nov 21, 2025 10:18 AM IST
- 1/9
In 2015, Yuvraj Singh made history with a ₹16 crore deal at Delhi Daredevils. A national hero past his peak, yet still cricket’s emotional centerpiece — proof that legacy still sells at a premium.
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Chris Morris shocked fans in 2021 when Rajasthan Royals paid ₹16.25 crore for his services. An all-rounder’s dream deal — a mix of raw pace, lower-order power, and pure auction chaos.
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The 2023 auction turned Sam Curran into cricket’s youngest millionaire, bagging ₹18.5 crore with Punjab Kings. A calm English finisher with fiery spells — and now, a bank-breaking resume.
- 4/9
Cameron Green joined Mumbai Indians in 2023 for ₹17.5 crore, becoming Australia’s latest export to IPL fame. His bat, his bowling, and his youth made him a billion-rupee bet for the future.
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That same year, Nicholas Pooran’s ₹16 crore deal with Lucknow Super Giants confirmed IPL’s love for Caribbean flair — a flash of unpredictability and fireworks every franchise craves.
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Ben Stokes, the English powerhouse, was snapped up by Chennai Super Kings for ₹16.25 crore. His leadership aura and clutch mentality made him more than a player — a statement buy.
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In 2024, Pat Cummins shattered norms with a ₹20.5 crore contract at Sunrisers Hyderabad. From World Cup triumphs to IPL command — Cummins became the ultimate all-format prize.
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Mitchell Starc’s ₹24.75 crore signing with Kolkata Knight Riders set a new benchmark. The Aussie spearhead, returning after years away, turned bowling dominance into pure gold.
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The record books burned again when Rishabh Pant signed for ₹27 crore with Lucknow Super Giants. Once a prodigy, now a phenomenon — Pant’s signing marks cricket’s billion-rupee era.