The Indian Premier League (IPL) has consistently broken records over the years, attracting some of the world's top cricketing talent at staggering prices. With franchises eager to build powerful lineups, certain players have commanded astronomical bids, cementing themselves as the most expensive in IPL history. Below is the list of the highest-ever bids in IPL auctions.
Australian pace sensation Mitchell Starc topped the IPL auction chart in 2024, as Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for a jaw-dropping Rs 24.75 crore. Known for his lethal combination of pace and swing, Starc’s ability to take wickets in the powerplay and death overs made him a prized asset for KKR.
Sunrisers Hyderabad made a major move by securing Pat Cummins for Rs 20.50 crore in the same year. Cummins, one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, brings experience and consistency, and his valuable contributions with the bat add depth to the Sunrisers lineup.
English all-rounder Sam Curran was the highlight of the 2023 auction, going to Punjab Kings for Rs 18.50 crore. Curran’s versatility, both as a left-arm pacer and a lower-order power hitter, made him the most expensive player of the 2023 season.
Mumbai Indians won an intense bidding war to acquire Cameron Green for Rs 17.50 crore in 2023. The Australian all-rounder’s potential and explosive style made him a key addition for MI’s lineup, providing firepower in both batting and bowling departments.
Another English star, Ben Stokes, joined Chennai Super Kings for Rs 16.25 crore. Stokes, one of the most impactful all-rounders, brought immense value to CSK with his aggressive batting, effective bowling, and inspirational leadership qualities.
South African all-rounder Chris Morris made headlines in 2021 when Rajasthan Royals secured his services for Rs 16.25 crore, setting an IPL record at the time. Known for his hard-hitting and pace bowling, Morris’s skills in the death overs were highly sought after.
In 2015, Yuvraj Singh became the most expensive Indian player in IPL history when Delhi Daredevils bid Rs 16 crore for him. The veteran all-rounder was a key figure in Indian cricket, and his inclusion was aimed at adding experience and aggression to Delhi’s batting order.
West Indies’ explosive batter Nicholas Pooran became one of IPL 2023’s highest earners when Lucknow Super Giants spent Rs 16 crore on him. Known for his big-hitting ability, Pooran added flair to the middle order for LSG, reinforcing their batting lineup.
Pat Cummins has twice made the list of most expensive players in IPL history. In 2020, KKR purchased the Australian speedster for Rs 15.50 crore, valuing his experience and capabilities with the new ball.
Young Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan joined Mumbai Indians for Rs 15.25 crore in 2022. Known for his aggressive top-order batting, Kishan has the potential to be a game-changer, and MI invested heavily in his future prospects.