The Indian Premier League (IPL) has changed cricket by combining sport with big business. Every season, teams spend huge money at auctions to build strong squads. Over the years, bidding wars have created record-breaking deals, turning several stars into the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions. In this article, we look at the top 10 costliest IPL auction buys of all time, with simple explanations and player stats.
Table of Contents
List of 10 Most Expensive Players Sold in IPL Auctions
10. Chris Morris – INR 16.25 Crore
South African all-rounder Chris Morris was the first player to create history by touching the INR 16 crore mark at the IPL auction. Rajasthan Royals bought him for INR 16.25 crore during the IPL 2021 auction, making him one of the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions at that time. This bid shocked many fans because Morris was not a regular starter for South Africa across all formats.
However, Morris had skills that fit perfectly into the T20 format. He could bowl fast at the death, pick up crucial wickets, and hit long sixes in the final overs. Rajasthan Royals believed he could single-handedly win close matches. Although his economy rate raised some concerns, his wicket-taking ability justified the heavy investment.
| Matches | Wickets | Economy Rate | Best Bowling | Runs |
| 11 | 15 | 9.17 | 4/23 | 67 |
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9. Ben Stokes – INR 16.25 Crore
England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes joined the list of the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions when Chennai Super Kings signed him for INR 16.25 crore in the IPL 2023 auction. His price was driven largely by his heroics in ICC tournaments, especially the T20 World Cup 2022, where he played match-winning knocks under pressure.
Stokes is widely respected for his mental strength and big-match temperament. CSK valued his leadership qualities and ability to perform when it matters the most. Although injuries limited his impact in the IPL, his auction price reflected his global reputation rather than just IPL numbers.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Wickets | Best Score |
| 14 | 314 | 25.15 | 5 | 103* |
8. Cameron Green – INR 17.50 Crore
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green became a major talking point at the IPL 2023 auction when Mumbai Indians bought him for INR 17.50 crore. This deal placed him among the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions, despite his young age and limited IPL experience.
Green’s value came from his versatility. He could bat in the top or middle order, bowl fast, and provide excellent fielding. Mumbai Indians viewed him as a future star and a long-term investment. His match-winning century later in the season proved that the franchise’s trust was not misplaced.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
| 16 | 452 | 40.18 | 6 | 100* |
7. Sam Curran – INR 18.50 Crore
Sam Curran’s rise into the elite list of the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions was no surprise after his outstanding performance in the T20 World Cup 2022. Punjab Kings secured him for INR 18.50 crore at the IPL 2023 auction, making him the most expensive player of that season.
Curran is valued for his smart swing bowling, clever slower balls, and calm batting under pressure. Punjab Kings also saw leadership potential in him, which increased his price. His all-round skills made him a perfect fit for the modern T20 format.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
| 14 | 276 | 10 | 9.14 | 55 & 3/31 |
6. Pat Cummins – INR 20.50 Crore
The IPL 2024 auction witnessed history when Pat Cummins became the first player to cross the INR 20 crore mark. Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for INR 20.50 crore, placing him firmly among the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions.
Cummins’ price was driven by his success as Australia’s captain in ICC tournaments. His leadership, fast bowling, and ability to contribute with the bat made him a complete package. SRH believed he could rebuild their team culture and deliver results both on and off the field.
| Matches | Wickets | Economy Rate | Batting Strike Rate | Best Figures |
| 42 | 45 | 8.54 | 158.33 | 4/34 |
5. Venkatesh Iyer – INR 23.75 Crore
Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer became one of the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Kolkata Knight Riders spent INR 23.75 crore to bring back their former star, showing immense faith in his abilities.
Iyer’s aggressive batting at the top of the order and his part-time bowling make him a valuable Indian asset. Indian all-rounders are always in high demand, and his consistent domestic and IPL performances played a major role in pushing his price so high.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Wickets | Best Score |
| 46 | 1,326 | 31.57 | 13 | 104 |
4. Mitchell Starc – INR 24.75 Crore
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc became one of the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions when Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for INR 24.75 crore at the IPL 2024 auction. The bidding war between KKR and Gujarat Titans highlighted how valuable elite fast bowlers are in T20 cricket.
Starc’s ability to swing the new ball and bowl deadly yorkers at the death makes him a match-winner. Even with limited IPL appearances, his international success justified the huge investment.
| Matches | Wickets | Economy Rate | Best Bowling | Strike Rate |
| 27 | 34 | 7.17 | 4/15 | 16.8 |
3. Cameron Green – INR 26.20 Crore
Cameron Green appears again on this list, this time ranking third among the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions. At the IPL 2026 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for INR 26.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player ever.
KKR valued Green’s age, fitness, and versatility. He could bat in the top order, bowl fast, and field exceptionally well. His long-term potential pushed franchises to spend aggressively.
| Matches | Runs | Wickets | Batting Average | Best Score |
| 38 | 1,025 | 16 | 36.60 | 100* |
2. Shreyas Iyer – INR 26.75 Crore
Shreyas Iyer became the most expensive Indian player at the IPL 2025 auction when Punjab Kings bought him for INR 26.75 crore. This deal placed him among the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions and underlined the value of Indian captains.
Shreyas is known for his consistency, leadership, and ability to handle pressure. His experience as an IPL captain and his importance in India’s white-ball setup made him a premium buy.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Centuries | Fifties |
| 101 | 3,124 | 32.20 | 1 | 21 |
1. Rishabh Pant – INR 27 Crore
Rishabh Pant sits at the top of the list of the most expensive players sold in IPL auctions. At the IPL 2025 mega auction, Lucknow Super Giants paid a record-breaking INR 27 crore to sign the Indian wicketkeeper-batter.
Pant’s fearless batting, leadership qualities, and massive fan following played a key role in this historic bid. LSG viewed him as a long-term captain and a game-changer who could win matches single-handedly.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
| 98 | 2,838 | 34.19 | 147.97 | 128* |
FAQs
2. Why do IPL teams spend so much money on certain players?
IPL teams invest heavily because top players offer match-winning ability, leadership skills, and strong brand value. These factors help teams perform better on the field and attract fans and sponsors off the field.
2. Who is the most expensive player sold in IPL auction history?
Rishabh Pant is the most expensive player sold in IPL auction history, bought for INR 27 crore by Lucknow Super Giants at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
3. Are all-rounders more valuable in IPL auctions than specialist players?
Yes, all-rounders often attract higher bids because they contribute in multiple areas like batting, bowling, and fielding, which gives teams more balance and flexibility.
4. Do expensive players always perform well in the IPL?
Not always. While high prices reflect potential and reputation, performance depends on form, fitness, team role, and conditions. Some expensive buys succeed, while others struggle to meet expectations.