Most Expensive Player in IPL

The IPL auctions are known for record-breaking bids, intense bidding wars, and franchises going all out to sign their top targets. Every season, one question keeps fans curious, who is the most expensive player in IPL history? With teams ready to spend huge amounts to strengthen their squads, the Indian Premier League auction table becomes a place where reputations and strategies collide.

Fans eagerly wait to see which star secures the highest bid and earns the title of most expensive player in IPL, a distinction that brings prestige, pressure, and massive expectations. From young uncapped Indian players to proven international match-winners, these big signings show both ambition and confidence. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 most expensive player in IPL history and find out who currently tops the chart.

Top 10 Most Expensive Player in IPL History (Updated List)

Below is the updated list of the most expensive player in IPL rankings, based on record-breaking auction bids over the years. These players dominated the league with massive prices, showcasing their value, reputation, and impact.

Who is the Most Expensive Player in IPL 2026?

One of the best IPL teams, Kolkata Knight Riders, made waves at this year's auction by picking Cameron Green for an overwhelming sum of ₹25.20 crore. He is known for his power-hitting and useful seam bowling. Green will bring balance and firepower to the KKR lineup after Andre Russell's retirement from IPL.

Most Expensive Indian Player in IPL 2026

In 2026, CSK made headlines by securing two uncapped talents, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, for ₹14.20 crore each, placing them among the most expensive uncapped Indian players in IPL history. Before them, legends like Yuvraj Singh and Ishan Kishan had set the benchmark as the most expensive Indian player in IPL history.

Who is the Most Expensive Player in IPL History?

One of the best wicket-keepers in India, Rishabh Pant, is the most expensive player in IPL history, bought by Lucknow Super Giants for a record-breaking amount of ₹27 crore in the 2025 auction. Cameron Green’s ₹25.20 crore bid in 2026 is now the highest for an overseas player, surpassing previous records held by Mitchell Starc (₹24.75 crore in 2024) and Sam Curran (₹18.5 crore in 2023), making him one of the most talked-about buys in IPL history.

5. Venkatesh Iyer | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹23.75 Crore

India’s explosive top-order all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer shocked everyone when KKR signed him for an astonishing ₹23.75 Crore in 2025. He was the key member in the success behind KKR's 2024 title-winning campaign as he offers flexibility in team combinations. However, Iyer's recent poor form has led to his omission from the team, and now he will represent the reigning champions, RCB.

4. Mitchell Starc | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹24.75 Crore

Australia’s left-arm pace ace remains one of the best bowlers in world cricket. Mitchell Starc wasn't featured in IPL since 2015, and when he registered for IPL auction 2024, it was certain he would get a massive deal. And just as it was expected, Starc got an exceptional deal of ₹24.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders, which stunned fans across the globe. We are already aware of his ability to swing the ball at high pace and dominate batters throughout the innings. Till 2024, he was the highest-paid overseas player in the IPL auction.

3. Cameron Green | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹25.20 Crore

Australia’s 6 feet 6 inches towering all-rounder, Cameron Green, made history by becoming the most expensive player in IPL 2026 with ₹25.20 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders. With clean ball-striking ability and useful seam bowling, he adds balance across departments. The three-time title holders will be eyeing him as like to like replacement of their new power coach Andre Russell.

2. Shreyas Iyer | Punjab Kings | ₹26.75 Crore

One of the best batsmen in the IPL, Shreyas Iyer’s ₹26.75 crore move to Punjab Kings in the 2025 auction highlighted his value, especially after leading his previous franchise, KKR, to the title during his stint. His composure while chasing a target and accelerating when required makes him a valuable asset for PBKS. Iyer didn't disappoint his owners and took his team into the finals after a decade.

1. Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹27.00 Crore

India’s aggressive wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, has proved his worth not just with his batting but with his glove work and leadership skills as well. He leads the chart of the most expensive player in IPL history with a staggering ₹27.00 crore deal from Lucknow Super Giants in 2025. He is batting and fitness both have been top-notch since he returned from a fatal road accident in December 2023. However, he is yet to justify the price with his performance as a batsman and the skipper of LSG.