Cameron Green topped the list of most expensive players IPL 2026 auction after Kolkata Knight Riders secured him for ₹25.20 crore on December 16. The bid set a new record for the highest price paid for an overseas player in IPL history. The mini-auction saw franchises fill 77 slots with intense competition for all-rounders, pace bowlers, and promising uncapped talent.
The event underlined the growing financial strength of the league. Teams spent a combined sum exceeding ₹200 crore on players who will shape the 2026 season. Kolkata Knight Riders led the spending with multiple high-value acquisitions.
Top 10 Most Expensive Players IPL 2026
The IPL 2026 auction most expensive players featured a mix of established international stars and emerging prospects. Kolkata Knight Riders dominated the upper end of the list.
- Cameron Green (Kolkata Knight Riders) – ₹25.20 crore The Australian all-rounder brings batting depth and seam bowling options. His previous IPL stints demonstrated versatility across conditions.
- Matheesha Pathirana (Kolkata Knight Riders) – ₹18.00 crore The Sri Lankan pacer is renowned for sling-action deliveries and death-overs expertise. His addition strengthens the Knight Riders pace unit.
- Kartik Sharma (Chennai Super Kings) – ₹14.20 crore The uncapped Indian talent generated significant interest. Chennai Super Kings secured him in a competitive bidding process.
- Prashant Veer (Chennai Super Kings) – ₹14.20 crore Another uncapped prospect, Veer joined Chennai Super Kings at the same price point. The franchise focused on building for the future.
- Liam Livingstone (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – ₹13.00 crore The English power-hitter offers explosive middle-order batting and useful spin bowling. Sunrisers Hyderabad bolstered their finishing capabilities.
- Mustafizur Rahman (Kolkata Knight Riders) – ₹9.20 crore The Bangladeshi left-arm seamer returned to Kolkata Knight Riders. His variations make him effective in all phases.
- Josh Inglis (Lucknow Super Giants) – ₹8.60 crore The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman adds stability to the top order. Lucknow Super Giants targeted reliable overseas options.
- Auqib Nabi Dar (Delhi Capitals) – ₹8.40 crore The player from Jammu and Kashmir represents regional diversity. Delhi Capitals invested in domestic pace potential.
- Ravi Bishnoi (Rajasthan Royals) – ₹7.20 crore The leg-spinner moved to Rajasthan Royals. His wicket-taking ability in the middle overs remains a key asset.
- Jason Holder (Gujarat Titans) – ₹7.00 crore The West Indian all-rounder provides experience and balance. Gujarat Titans acquired him for seam-bowling all-round utility.
IPL 2026 Auction Top Buys: Key Trends
The auction highlighted demand for versatile overseas players and uncapped Indian talent. Kolkata Knight Riders built a formidable core around Green and Pathirana. Their aggressive approach signalled intent to defend their title.
Chennai Super Kings shifted focus towards youth with twin ₹14.20 crore investments in Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. The strategy aligns with long-term squad planning.
Sunrisers Hyderabad added firepower through Livingstone. Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals targeted specific roles with Inglis and Auqib Nabi Dar.
Rajasthan Royals reinforced spin resources with Bishnoi. Gujarat Titans gained flexibility from Holder.
South Asian players featured prominently in the lower end of the top 10. Pathirana from Sri Lanka and Mustafizur Rahman from Bangladesh fetched strong bids. Auqib Nabi Dar’s inclusion brought attention to talent from Jammu and Kashmir. The auction reflected opportunities for cricketers across the region despite limited participation from some countries.
The mini-auction allowed teams to address gaps after retentions and trades. Franchises entered with varying purse sizes following the November retention deadline.
Background
The IPL 2026 player auction took place on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. It followed the retention announcements made on November 15. Teams retained core players before filling remaining slots. The event maintained the accelerated format used in recent mini-auctions.
A total of 77 players found buyers. Uncapped talents drew particular attention alongside established names.
What’s Next
Teams will now finalise preparations for the 2026 season. Training camps and strategy sessions will follow in the coming months. The schedule remains awaited, but the season typically commences in late March or early April.
High-profile acquisitions like those in the most expensive players IPL 2026 auction raise expectations. Kolkata Knight Riders appear strengthened by their investments. The season promises competitive balance with refreshed squads.
The record bid for Cameron Green underscores the premium on all-round skills. Fans across South Asia anticipate another thrilling campaign.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 17th, 2025
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