Who are the most expensive players in IPL history—and what made them worth it

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.