The Indian Premier League (IPL) is famous for its exciting matches and record-breaking auction bids. Every season, franchises spend huge amounts to sign match-winning players who can change games instantly.
Over the years, stars like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Mitchell Starc, Cameron Green, and Pat Cummins have attracted massive prices, setting new benchmarks in IPL auction history.
Rishabh Pant tops the list with his INR 27 crore deal in 2025, while Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player in IPL 2026 after being bought for INR 25.20 crore.
In this article, we list the most expensive players in IPL history from 2008 to 2026, along with their auction prices and teams.
Top 17 Expensive Players in IPL History
There have been some remarkable bids in the IPL auction over the years. Below is the list of the most expensive IPL players, their fees, and the team names.
| No | Player’s Name | Year | Fee | Team Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | 2025 | INR 27.00 crore | Lucknow Super Giants |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | 2025 | INR 26.75 crore | Punjab Kings |
| 3 | Cameron Green | 2026 | INR 25.20 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 4 | Mitchell Starc | 2024 | INR 24.75 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 5 | Venkatesh Iyer | 2025 | INR 23.75 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 6 | Pat Cummins | 2024 | INR 20.50 crore | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 7 | Sam Curran | 2023 | INR 18.50 crore | Punjab Kings |
| 8 | Matheesha Pathirana | 2026 | INR 18.00 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 9 | Arshdeep Singh | 2025 | INR 18.00 crore | Punjab Kings |
| 10 | Yuzvendra Chahal | 2025 | INR 18.00 crore | Punjab Kings |
| 11 | Cameron Green | 2023 | INR 17.50 crore | Mumbai Indians |
| 12 | Ben Stokes | 2023 | INR 16.25 crore | Chennai Super Kings |
| 13 | Chris Morris | 2021 | INR 16.25 crore | Rajasthan Royals |
| 14 | Nicholas Pooran | 2023 | INR 16.00 crore | Lucknow Super Giants |
| 15 | Yuvraj Singh | 2015 | INR 16.00 crore | Delhi Daredevils |
| 16 | Jos Buttler | 2025 | INR 15.75 crore | Gujarat Titans |
| 17 | Ishan Kishan | 2022 | INR 15.25 crore | Mumbai Indians |
Now, we will dive deep into detailed descriptions of the highest-paying players, their nationality, auction year, team, price, role, skills, and IPL career. Let’s learn about their inspiring stories.
1. Rishabh Pant – INR 27.00 crore
Rishabh Pant is aggressive and one of the most fearless wicketkeepers- Batsman. he was bought for INR 27.00 crore by Lucknow Super Giants in the season 2025 auctions. and he Became the most expensive player in IPL history.
Pant is a high-impact player himself because he is a bowling team’s ideal batsman.With his ability to deliver both with the bat and ball, Iyer’s versatility will be crucial for KKR in their quest for another IPL title.
2. Shreyas Iyer – INR 26.75 crore
Shreyas Iyer a middle-order bowling all-rounder batsman has been rated one of the best performing players in the Indian Premier League. Based on his abilities in captaincy and the mark he left during the tense innings during the recent IPL 2021 tournament.
Iyer found his new home at Punjab Kings during the 2025 auction at INR 26.75 crore which proved that he is one of the most desired players in the league. Iqbal’s attitude on the crease is assertive and calm thus will be an added advantage for the team in the spin department in the next season of Punjab’s league.
3. Cameron Green – INR 25.20 crore
Cameron Green entered the elite list of expensive players in IPL auction history after Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for INR 25.20 crore at the IPL 2026 mini auction.
The Australian all rounder attracted strong interest due to his pace bowling and top order batting ability. Despite a limited IPL record, franchises valued his impact potential, making him the most expensive overseas player ever bought in the league.
4. Mitchell Starc – INR 24.75 crore
Mitchell Starc is an Australian fast bowler. He made history in the 2024 IPL auction, being acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 24.75 crore. He is famous for his lethal pace and ability to swing the ball.
His remarkable career includes his best performance in the World Cups. He was the leading wicket-taker in the 2015 and 2019 ICC Cricket World Cups. His presence in the team has often been a game-changer, especially in T20 cricket.
He played for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders. He is known for his ability to take wickets in powerplay and death overs.
5. Venkatesh Iyer – INR 23.75 crore
Venkatesh Iyer’s all-round capabilities make him one of the most exciting prospects in the IPL. Known for his powerful hitting and handy medium-fast bowling, Iyer has been a game-changer for Kolkata Knight Riders.
In the 2025 IPL auction, his price tag of INR 23.75 crore reflects his growing stature. With his ability to deliver both with the bat and ball, Iyer’s versatility will be crucial for KKR in their quest for another IPL title.
6. Pat Cummins – INR 20.50 crore
Another Australian cricketer, a fast bowler and lower-order batsman, was awarded the second-highest fee of INR 20.50 crore from Sunrise Hyderabad in the 2024 auction. He is famous for his ability to deliver the best performance under pressure.
Cummins has played for Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders. His bowling changed the course of a match with his skills and strategies.
7. Sam Curran – INR 18.50 crore
Sam Curran, an English all-rounder, was sold to Punjab Kings for INR 18.50 crore in 2023. His versatility as a batsman and bowler has made him a valuable player in the T20 format. During the 2022 T20 World Cup, he played very well under pressure.
He is the current test captain of Australia and a consistent performer in all formats. He has played for Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
8. Matheesha Pathirana – INR 18.00 crore
Matheesha Pathirana became one of the standout buys at the IPL 2026 auction after Kolkata Knight Riders secured the Sri Lankan fast bowler for ₹18 crore.
Known for his pinpoint yorkers and ability to bowl in the death overs, Pathirana commanded a fierce bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. His acquisition highlights the growing premium on specialist bowlers who can deliver under pressure in T20 cricket.
9. Arshdeep Singh – INR 18.00 crore
Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer who thrilled everyone with his death bowling in the IPL, was signed by Punjab Kings in the 2025 auction for INR 18.00 crore.
Arshdeep has been a very reliable bowler whether it has been in a pressure cooker situation or not he has been found hugely effective. His ability to bowl yorkers and generate swing makes him a key player in Punjab’s bowling attack, giving them a significant edge in the upcoming season.
10. Yuzvendra Chahal – INR 18.00 crore
Yuzvendra Chahal, one of India’s premier leg-spinners, has been a consistent performer in the IPL. His control over the ball and knack for picking crucial wickets in the middle overs make him a valuable asset for any team.
Punjab Kings secured Chahal for INR 18.00 crore in the 2025 auction, signaling their intent to strengthen their spin department. His experience and wicket-taking ability will be vital in turning matches in Punjab’s favor during key phases of the game.
11. Cameron Green – INR 17.50 crore
Cameron Green, an Australian cricketer, was acquired by the Mumbai Indians for INR 17.50 crore in 2023. He is a right-arm fast-medium bowler and right-handed batsman, famous among people for his powerful hitting and effective bowling.
He quickly established himself as a major player for the Australian team and showed great potential in international cricket, both with bat and ball.
12. Ben Stokes – INR 16.35 crore
The English all-rounder Ben Stokes was acquired by the Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 IPL auction for INR 16.35 crore. He is famous for his match-winning abilities and has been a key player for England in various formats.
His fierce batting and handy bowling make him a dual threat on the field. He has performed well in international cricket, mainly in the ICC Cricket World Cup and 2019 Ashes series. Before joining Chennai Super Kings, he played for Rising Pune Supergiant and Rajasthan Royals.
13. Chris Morris – INR 16.25 crore
He is a South African cricketer who was a major figure in the IPL. In the 2021 auction, Rajasthan Royals acquired him for a record INR 16.25 crore, making him the most expensive player at the time.
He is an all-rounder known for his right-arm fast-medium bowling and lower-order batting. His ability to bowl at the death and hit big shots made him a valuable asset. He played for teams like Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
14. Nicholas Pooran – INR 16.00 crore
He is a powerful West Indian Cricketer. In 2022, the Sunrise Hyderabad team acquired him for INR 16.00 crore at the IPL auction. He is a left-handed batsman and wicketkeeper.
He is famous for his batting in the middle order. He is capabale of scoring quickly and change the entire game. He has played for Sunrise Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab, and delivered match-winning performance.
15. Yuvraj Singh – INR 16.00 crore
He is a famous Indian cricket player known for his all-rounder abilities. In the 2015 IPL auction, Delhi Daredevils bought him for 16 crore. He is a left-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox bowler.
He is celebrated for his six sixes in an over during the 2007 T20 World Cup. He was played for Kings XI Punjab, Pune Warriors, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
16. Jos Buttler – INR 15.75 crore
English white-ball captain Jos Buttler, a right-handed top-order batsman and wicketkeeper, went to the Gujarat Titans for INR 15.75 crore in the 2025 auction.
Due to his brilliant batting form at the inception of the match and the establishment of a solid foundation for his side to build upon, Buttler belongs to the very best T20 openers of present-day cricket. He will provide a stable power plus to Gujarat’s top-order, Which will help them set big totals or chase down challenging targets with ease in the upcoming season.
17. Ishan Kishan – INR 15.25 crore
Ishan Kishan is a rising Indian cricketer player. In the 2022 auction, Mumbai Indians Bought him for INR 15.25 crore. He is a left-hand batsman and wicketkeeper. He is famous for his aggressive batting skills at the top of the order.
He can run quickly and provide a solid starts for his team. He has been a consistent payer of Mumbai Indians and his ability to play best under pressure make him shining cricketer of Indian team.
Most Expensive Player In IPL Every Season
Each season of IPL breaks the previous record in investing heavily in players they believe can lead them to victory. Let’s take a look at the most expensive purchases in IPL history, season by season:
| Player Name | Year | Fees (INR) | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron Green | 2026 | 25.20 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Rishabh Pant | 2025 | 27 crore | Lucknow Super Giants |
| Mitchell Starc | 2024 | 24.75 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Sam Curran | 2023 | 18.50 crore | Punjab Kings |
| Ishan Kishan | 2022 | 15.25 crore | Mumbai Indians |
| Chris Morris | 2021 | 16.25 crore | Rajasthan Royals |
| Pat Cummins | 2020 | 15.50 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Varun Chakravarthy | 2019 | 8.40 crore | Kings XI Punjab |
| Jaydev Unadkat | 2019 | 8.40 crore | Rajasthan Royals |
| Ben Stokes | 2018 | 12.50 crore | Rajasthan Royals |
| Ben Stokes | 2017 | 14.50 crore | Rising Pune Supergiant |
| Shane Watson | 2016 | 9.50 crore | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Yuvraj Singh | 2015 | 16.00 crore | Delhi Daredevils |
| Yuvraj Singh | 2014 | 14.00 crore | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Glenn Maxwell | 2013 | 8.3 crore | Mumbai Indians |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2012 | 16.7 crore | Chennai Super Kings |
| Gautam Gambhir | 2011 | 20.12 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Kieron Pollard | 2010 | 6.29 crore | Mumbai Indians |
| Shane Bond | 2010 | 6.29 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Kevin Pietersen | 2009 | 13.008 crore | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| MS Dhoni | 2008 | 9.50 crore | Chennai Super Kings |
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Conclusion: Rishabh Pant Is the Most Expensive IPL Player
The IPL continues to be a platform where talent meets opportunity and massive paychecks. From Rishabh Pant’s record ₹27 crore deal in 2025 to Cameron Green becoming the most expensive overseas player in IPL 2026 for ₹25.20 crore, and earlier big names like Yuvraj Singh and Ishan Kishan, each auction brings new surprises and sets fresh benchmarks.
These top-priced players are more than just expensive buys they’re game-changers who lead from the front and deliver when it matters. As the league grows bigger every year, fans can expect even more jaw-dropping bids and rising stars who will push the boundaries of what’s possible in the IPL.
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