The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular cricket leagues globally. Every year, the IPL auction generates significant attention as teams bid for the best players. Some of these bids go up to huge amounts, with players being sold for millions of rupees. The auction is a spectacle where the value of a player depends not only on their skills but also on their ability to help the team win, attract fans, and generate revenue.
Being the most expensive player in the IPL is a big achievement. It shows how much a player is valued for their talent and impact on the game. Over the years, we have seen players like MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, and Ben Stokes fetch huge sums. But as the years go by, the prices continue to rise, and new players are setting higher records.
Who Is The Most Expensive Player In IPL History?
Rishabh Pant made history in the IPL 2025 auction by becoming the most expensive player ever, with a huge ₹27 crore price tag.
The wicketkeeper batter is known for his fearless and aggressive batting, which made him an attractive pick for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Pant’s ability to take on bowlers and change the game in the final overs made him a top choice for the team. His consistent performances in the IPL and his leadership potential played a big role in his high bid. His style of play has made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the IPL.
Most Expensive Players In IPL History (Top 10):
Here’s a look at the top 10 most expensive players in IPL history:
| Rank | Player | Team | Price (INR) | Year |
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹27.00 Cr | 2025 |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | Punjab Kings | ₹26.75 Cr | 2025 |
| 3 | Cameron Green | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹25.20 Cr | 2026 |
| 4 | Mitchell Starc | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹24.75 Cr | 2024 |
| 5 | Venkatesh Iyer | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹23.75 Cr | 2025 |
| 6 | Pat Cummins | Sunrisers Hyderabad | ₹20.50 Cr | 2024 |
| 7 | Sam Curran | Punjab Kings | ₹18.50 Cr | 2023 |
| 8 | Arshdeep Singh | Punjab Kings | ₹18.00 Cr | 2025 |
| 9 | Yuzvendra Chahal | Punjab Kings | ₹18.00 Cr | 2025 |
| 10 | Matheesha Pathirana | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹18.00 Cr | 2026 |
1. Rishabh Pant (₹27.00 Crore):
Rishabh Pant became the most expensive IPL player with a ₹27 crore bid in IPL 2025. Known for his fearless batting, Pant can change the game quickly. His ability to perform under pressure and lead his team made him a top pick for the Lucknow Super Giants. His record breaking price shows how much teams value him in the IPL.
2. Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 Crore):
Shreyas Iyer was bought by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore in IPL 2025. Iyer is known for his calm and steady batting and his ability to perform under pressure. He has also captained Kolkata Knight Riders, showcasing his leadership skills. His experience and reliability made him one of the top players in the auction.
3. Cameron Green (₹25.20 Crore):
Cameron Green, the Australian all rounder, was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹25.20 crore in IPL 2026. Green is a powerful hitter and a reliable bowler, making him a key all rounder. His strong performances in international cricket and his ability to perform in both batting and bowling roles made him a valuable pick for the auction.
4. Mitchell Starc (₹24.75 Crore):
Mitchell Starc, one of the world’s best fast bowlers, was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹24.75 crore in IPL 2024. Starc is known for his pace and ability to swing the ball, making him a dangerous bowler. His experience in international cricket and his ability to take wickets early in the match made him a top choice for IPL franchises.
5. Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 Crore):
Venkatesh Iyer was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore in IPL 2025. Iyer is a versatile all rounder who can make an impact with both the bat and the ball. His aggressive batting and ability to bowl useful medium fast deliveries made him a sought after player in the auction.
6. Pat Cummins (₹20.50 Crore):
Pat Cummins was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹20.50 crore in IPL 2024. Cummins is known for his pace and ability to pick wickets in crucial moments. His experience as one of the top fast bowlers in the world made him a top pick for the auction. His high price reflects the value teams place on his skills.
7. Sam Curran (₹18.50 Crore):
Sam Curran was picked by the Punjab Kings for ₹18.50 crore in IPL 2023. The English all rounder is known for his ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball. His consistency and ability to perform in pressure situations made him one of the top picks for IPL 2023.
8. Arshdeep Singh (₹18.00 Crore):
Arshdeep Singh was bought by Punjab Kings for ₹18 crore in IPL 2025. Arshdeep is known for his ability to bowl yorkers in the death overs. His consistency and ability to handle pressure made him a key asset for his team. His high price reflects his importance as a death over specialist.
9. Yuzvendra Chahal (₹18.00 Crore):
Yuzvendra Chahal was also bought by the Punjab Kings for ₹18 crore in IPL 2025. Chahal is a top leg spinner and has been a match winner in many IPL seasons. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs made him a valuable asset. His price shows how important spin bowlers are in the IPL.
10. Matheesha Pathirana (₹18.00 Crore):
Matheesha Pathirana, the Sri Lankan fast bowler, was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹18 crore in IPL 2026. Known for his express pace, Pathirana can bowl at crucial stages of the match. His high price reflects his value as a match winning bowler in the IPL.
Year Wise Most Expensive Player In IPL (2008-2026):
Over the years, the prices of players at the IPL auction have skyrocketed. Here’s a breakdown of the most expensive player for each year:
| Year | Player and Team | Price INR |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | MS Dhoni (CSK) | ₹9.5 Crore |
| 2009 | Kevin Pietersen (RCB), Andrew Flintoff (CSK) | ₹9.8 Crore |
| 2010 | Shane Bond (KKR), Kieron Pollard (MI) | ₹4.8 Crore |
| 2011 | Gautam Gambhir (KKR) | ₹14.9 Crore |
| 2012 | Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) | ₹12.8 Crore |
| 2013 | Glenn Maxwell (MI) | ₹6.3 Crore |
| 2014 | Yuvraj Singh (RCB) | ₹14 Crore |
| 2015 | Yuvraj Singh (DD) | ₹16 Crore |
| 2016 | Shane Watson (RCB) | ₹9.5 Crore |
| 2017 | Ben Stokes (RPS) | ₹14.5 Crore |
| 2018 | Ben Stokes (RR) | ₹12.5 Crore |
| 2019 | Jaydev Unadkat (RR), Varun Chakravarthy (KXIP) | ₹8.4 Crore |
| 2020 | Pat Cummins (KKR) | ₹15.5 Crore |
| 2021 | Chris Morris (RR) | ₹16.25 Crore |
| 2022 | Ishan Kishan (MI) | ₹15.25 Crore |
| 2023 | Sam Curran (PBKS) | ₹18.5 Crore |
| 2024 | Mitchell Starc (KKR) | ₹24.75 Crore |
| 2025 | Rishabh Pant (LSG) | ₹27 Crore |
| 2026 | Cameron Green (KKR) | ₹25.20 Crore |
Conclusion:
The IPL has set records for player prices over the years, with franchises paying massive amounts to secure top talent. Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 crore bid in IPL 2025 set a new standard for auctions to come, proving how much value teams place on players who can change the game. As the auction trends continue to grow, we can expect to see even higher prices for the next generation of IPL stars. Whether they are batters, bowlers, or all rounders, these players bring excitement and skill to the tournament, making them worth every penny.
FAQs:
Shreyas Iyer is the third most expensive player in IPL history with ₹26.75 crore in the 2025 auction.
Rishabh Pant is the most expensive player ever in IPL, with a huge ₹27 crore price tag in the 2025 auction.
Pat Cummins was bought for ₹20.50 crore by Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024.
Teams bid high for players who can deliver consistent performances, lead the team, and draw attention to the brand.
Cameron Green is the most expensive Overseas player in IPL history with ₹25.20 crore in the 2026 auction.
Kiran is a cricket analyst and writer with strong expertise in the Indian Premier League and modern cricket. He closely follows match situations, player performances, team strategies, and season trends to deliver clear and accurate insights. Passionate about the game, Kiran enjoys exploring emerging talents, tracking auction movements, and sharing timely updates related to IPL and competitive cricket.
