The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricket tournament, it is a global sports business phenomenon. Every year, the IPL auction grabs massive attention as franchises spend crores to secure match-winners. Among all the excitement, one question dominates fans’ minds: Who is the most expensive player in IPL history?
From MS Dhoni’s record-breaking bid in 2008 to Mitchell Starc’s historic price in recent seasons, IPL auctions reflect the league’s growth, competitiveness, and commercial power. In this article, we provide a complete, season-by-season list of the most expensive players in IPL history from 2008 to 2026, along with insights, comparisons, and trends.
Most Expensive Player in IPL History (2008–2026) – Complete List
| Year | Player Name | Team | Auction Price (₹ Crore) | Role |
| 2008 | MS Dhoni | CSK | 9.50 | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 2009 | Andrew Flintoff | CSK | 9.80 | All-rounder |
| 2010 | Shane Bond | KKR | 4.80 | Bowler |
| 2011 | Gautam Gambhir | KKR | 14.90 | Batter |
| 2012 | Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | 12.80 | All-rounder |
| 2013 | Glenn Maxwell | MI | 6.30 | All-rounder |
| 2014 | Yuvraj Singh | RCB | 14.00 | All-rounder |
| 2015 | Yuvraj Singh | DC | 16.00 | All-rounder |
| 2016 | Shane Watson | RCB | 9.50 | All-rounder |
| 2017 | Ben Stokes | RPS | 14.50 | All-rounder |
| 2018 | Ben Stokes | RR | 12.50 | All-rounder |
| 2019 | Jaydev Unadkat | RR | 8.40 | Bowler |
| 2020 | Pat Cummins | KKR | 15.50 | Bowler |
| 2021 | Chris Morris | RR | 16.25 | All-rounder |
| 2022 | Ishan Kishan | MI | 15.25 | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 2023 | Sam Curran | PBKS | 18.50 | All-rounder |
| 2024 | Mitchell Starc | KKR | 24.75 | Bowler |
| 2025 | Rishabh Pant | LSG | 27.00 | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 2026 | Cameron Green | KKR | 25.20 | All-rounder |
Most Expensive Player in Each IPL Season – Key Highlights
IPL 2008 – MS Dhoni (₹9.5 Cr)
The inaugural IPL auction saw MS Dhoni become the most expensive player. His leadership skills and rising international reputation made him a natural choice for the Chennai Super Kings.
IPL 2011 – Gautam Gambhir (₹14.9 Cr)
KKR made a bold move by signing Gambhir, who later justified the price by leading the franchise to multiple IPL titles.
IPL 2023 – Sam Curran (₹18.5 Cr)
Punjab Kings broke records by signing Sam Curran, making him the most expensive player at the time due to his all-round abilities.
IPL 2024 – Mitchell Starc (₹24.75 Cr)
Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in IPL history, highlighting the premium demand for elite fast bowlers.
IPL 2025 – Rishabh Pant (₹27.00 Cr)
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) purchased Rishabh Pant at a record-breaking ₹27 Crore (270 million INR) in the IPL 2025 auction, making him the most expensive player in IPL history at the time.
IPL 2026 – Cameron Green (₹25.20 Cr)
The most expensive player in IPL history is now Cameron Green. Before IPL 2026, Green was the most costly player overall, both Indian and foreign, when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) shocked everyone by acquiring him for an incredible ₹25.20 crore.
Top 10 Most Expensive Players in IPL History
| Rank | Player | Team | Year | Price (₹ Cr) |
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | LSG | 2025 | 27.00 |
| 2 | Cameron Green | KKR | 2026 | 25.20 |
| 3 | Mitchell Starc | KKR | 2024 | 24.75 |
| 4 | Sam Curran | PBKS | 2023 | 18.50 |
| 5 | Chris Morris | RR | 2021 | 16.25 |
| 6 | Yuvraj Singh | DC | 2015 | 16.00 |
| 7 | Pat Cummins | KKR | 2020 | 15.50 |
| 8 | Ishan Kishan | MI | 2022 | 15.25 |
| 9 | Gautam Gambhir | KKR | 2011 | 14.90 |
| 10 | Ben Stokes | RPS | 2017 | 14.50 |
Why Do IPL Teams Pay Such Huge Amounts?
Franchises invest massive sums for several strategic reasons:
- Match-winning ability under pressure
- Scarcity of elite fast bowlers and all-rounders
- Brand value and fan engagement
- Long-term team-building strategy
Most Expensive Player in IPL 2026 (Early Expectations)
The IPL 2026 auction is expected to witness intense bidding, with franchises targeting young Indian stars and proven overseas match-winners. Prices may even challenge or surpass previous records.
| Player | Team | Price | Role |
| Cameron Green | KKR | 25.20cr | all rounder |
Conclusion
The journey of the most expensive player in IPL history mirrors the league’s evolution. From modest beginnings in 2008 to record-shattering bids in recent seasons, IPL auctions continue to redefine cricket economics. As the league grows, future auctions may produce even bigger headlines and new records, keeping fans excited year after year.and new records, keeping fans excited year after year.
FAQs
1. Who is the most expensive player in IPL history?
Rishabh Pant holds the record as the most expensive player in IPL history.
2. Who is the most expensive Indian player in the IPL?
Rishabh Pant is currently the most expensive Indian player in IPL history.
3. Who is the most expensive Overseas player in the IPL?
Cameron Green is currently the most expensive Overseas player in IPL history.
4. Which IPL team spent the highest amount on a single player?
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spent the highest amount on Rishabh Pant.
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