From Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to England’s Sam Curran, the IPL’s costliest bracket is dominated by battle-hardened internationals rather than one single nation. Auction experts say franchises aren’t just buying skill—they’re paying for temperament, adaptability across conditions, and players who have proven they can handle chaos when pressure peaks and stakes explode.
Who are the most expensive players in IPL history—and what made them worth it
Who are the most expensive players in IPL history—and what made them worth it
From Rishabh Pant to Cameron Green, IPL auctions have shattered financial ceilings. A look at the most expensive players ever and the bidding wars that changed the league forever.
Business Today Desk
- Dec 17, 2025,
- Updated Dec 17, 2025 2:46 PM IST
- 1/9
Cameron Green’s ₹25.20 crore deal with KKR in IPL 2026 didn’t just top auction charts—it redefined them. A bidding war powered by scarcity, versatility and future-proof thinking pushed franchises into territory once thought unsustainable.
- 2/9
- 3/9
Pat Cummins’ ₹20.50 crore move to SRH in IPL 2024 signalled a strategic shift—captains are no longer retained quietly, they’re hunted aggressively. His calm authority became a commodity worth betting half a purse on.
- 4/9
Yuzvendra Chahal’s ₹18 crore PBKS deal stunned observers who believed spinners had peaked in auction value. Punjab’s gamble reflected a belief that control, not just pace, still wins tournaments under pressure.
- 5/9
Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 crore price tag shattered long-held overseas dominance. Post-comeback, his leadership, wicketkeeping and X-factor batting convinced LSG that Indian superstars now command the league’s biggest cheques.
- 6/9
Mitchell Starc’s ₹24.75 crore signing by KKR in 2024 wasn’t about availability—it was about fear factor. Teams paid for intimidation, knowing one fiery spell could swing playoff destinies in minutes.
- 7/9
Sam Curran and Cameron Green prove the IPL’s biggest spend is reserved for multi-skill players. Franchise data models increasingly show all-rounders offer the highest “impact-per-over” return across seasons.
- 8/9
Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 cr) and Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 cr) highlight how Indian batting depth has become auction gold. Leadership potential, adaptability, and brand value now inflate bids beyond pure form.
- 9/9
IPL auctions have evolved into economic theatre—where psychology, purse size, and fear of regret drive bids as much as performance metrics. Experts say price tags now reflect narrative as much as numbers.