The Most Expensive Player of IPL2026 Auction

News Desk

Mumbai: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction created history on Tuesday as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) dominated the proceedings, securing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green in a headline-making deal.

Green, whose name appeared in the first set of players under the hammer at the auction in Abu Dhabi, sparked an intense bidding war before KKR finally sealed his signing for the 2026 season.

The amount paid for Green surpassed the previous overseas auction record of INR 247.5 million, which KKR had spent on Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc at the 2024 auction. However, due to fluctuations in currency conversion — with the Indian rupee falling to a record low of over 90 against the US dollar this month — Starc’s deal was higher in dollar terms at the time.

Green was bought for the equivalent of $2.77 million, compared to $2.98 million paid for Starc. Under the IPL’s new “maximum fee” rule, Green himself will receive a capped salary of INR 180 million (around $1.98 million), with the remaining amount going to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

At 26, Green becomes the third most expensive player in IPL history, behind India’s Rishabh Pant (INR 270 million) and Shreyas Iyer (INR 267.5 million).

Green has featured in 29 IPL matches, scoring 707 runs while representing Mumbai Indians and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He missed the 2025 season due to a back injury but is currently in action for Australia in the Ashes series against England.

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The auction also produced a few surprises, with Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk and England all-rounder Liam Livingstone going unsold. Both players could return to the auction later if franchises express interest.

Meanwhile, the business value of the IPL has been estimated at $18.5 billion, according to US investment bank Houlihan Lokey.

Despite Green’s record-breaking price, CSK produced the most surprising moments of the auction by spending Rs 28.40 crore on uncapped Indian players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, purchasing both for Rs 14.20 crore each—the highest-ever IPL salary for any uncapped cricketer.

Among other notable uncapped buys, Aquib Dar from Kashmir was picked by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crore, while Mangesh Yadav joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 5.20 crore.

Several established international stars also attracted significant bids. Matheesha Pathirana was signed by KKR for Rs 18 crore, Liam Livingstone went to Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 13 crore, and Mustafizur Rahman joined KKR for Rs 9.20 crore. Josh Inglis (LSG, Rs 8.60 crore), Ravi Bishnoi (RR, Rs 7.20 crore), and Venkatesh Iyer (RCB, Rs 7 crore) were among other high-profile purchases.

The auction marked another milestone in the IPL’s growth, with escalating player valuations reflecting the league’s global appeal and financial muscle.