The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known not only for thrilling cricket but also for its high-voltage auctions where franchises spend big money to secure top talent. Over the years, the IPL auction table has witnessed historic bidding wars, record-breaking purchases, and unexpected millionaire signings. As teams compete to build the strongest squad, several cricketers have etched their names into the list of Most Expensive Players in IPL History.
If you’re wondering who is the most expensive player in IPL history, how much they were bought for, and why franchises were willing to invest heavily in them—you’re in the right place. This detailed guide covers the top 10 most expensive player in IPL, the factors influencing their prices, their performance impact, and how recent seasons have reshaped the list.
Let’s dive deep into the star-studded world of high-value IPL contracts.
How IPL Auctions Work?
IPL auctions follow a simple process:
- Players register and are shortlisted by franchises.
- Each player is assigned a base price.
- Teams bid against each other in real time.
- The highest bidder wins the player.
Franchises often spend big when they spot talent that can:
- Change matches single-handedly
- Fit their team strategy
- Provide leadership
- Add versatility with both bat and ball
This auction model creates a competitive marketplace where record-breaking signings are becoming increasingly normal.
Why Player Prices Are Increasing Every Season?
Here’s why spending is skyrocketing:
1. Bigger IPL revenue and sponsorship deals
More money flowing into the league means more budget for player purchases.
2. Increased importance of multi-role all-rounders
Franchises pay premium prices for players who can bat, bowl, and field at elite levels.
3. Demand for match-winners under the Impact Player rule
The rule has increased the value of specialists and clutch performers.
4. Franchise expansion and more competition
With 10 teams, bidding wars are unavoidable.
5. Rising global T20 standards
Top overseas players demand — and get — premium value due to high skill levels.
Most Expensive Player in IPL History
| Player | Price | Team | Edition |
| Rishabh Pant | ₹27.00 crore | Lucknow Super Giants | IPL 2025 |
| Shreyas Iyer | ₹26.75 crore | Punjab Kings | IPL 2025 |
| Mitchell Starc | ₹24.75 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL 2024 |
| Venkatesh Iyer | ₹23.75 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL 2025 |
| Pat Cummins | ₹20.50 crore | Sunrisers Hyderabad | IPL 2024 |
| Sam Curran | ₹18.50 crore | Punjab Kings | IPL 2023 |
| Arshdeep Singh | ₹18 crore | Punjab Kings | IPL 2025 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | ₹18 crore | Punjab Kings | IPL 2025 |
| Cameron Green | ₹17.50 crore | Mumbai Indians | IPL 2023 |
| Ben Stokes | ₹16.25 crore | Chennai Super Kings | IPL 2023 |
Rishabh Pant – ₹27.00 crore (Lucknow Super Giants, IPL 2025)
The highest-ever purchase in IPL history, Rishabh Pant was acquired for an unbelievable ₹27 crore by LSG in the IPL 2025 auction. His explosive batting, fearless approach, wicketkeeping skills, and leadership potential made him the top target. As one of India’s biggest cricketing superstars, Pant’s signing answered the question:
“Who is the most expensive player in IPL history?” – It’s Rishabh Pant.
Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 crore (Punjab Kings, IPL 2025)
Punjab Kings made a massive statement by signing Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore, making him one of the highest-paid Indian batters ever. With remarkable consistency, leadership skills, and the ability to anchor innings, Iyer became the centerpiece of PBKS’s strategy for 2025.
Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 crore (Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2024)
Starc’s return to the IPL triggered one of the most intense bidding wars. KKR secured him for ₹24.75 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player at that time. His pace, swing, and death-overs brilliance justified the price.
Venkatesh Iyer – ₹23.75 crore (Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2025)
KKR doubled down on homegrown talent by investing ₹23.75 crore in Venkatesh Iyer. A powerful hitter and a handy medium-pacer, Iyer’s all-round abilities make him a valuable asset in modern T20 cricket.
Pat Cummins – ₹20.50 crore (Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2024)
Pat Cummins, the World Cup-winning captain, became the biggest name of IPL 2024. SRH bought him for ₹20.50 crore for his captaincy, bowling excellence, and match temperament.
Sam Curran – ₹18.50 crore (Punjab Kings, IPL 2023)
Sam Curran, the 2022 T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, smashed records when PBKS bid ₹18.50 crore for him. His ability to swing the new ball and finish innings made him a high-priority pick.
Arshdeep Singh – ₹18 crore (Punjab Kings, IPL 2025)
One of India’s most promising pacers, Arshdeep Singh, earned a massive ₹18 crore contract. Known for his death-overs consistency, PBKS retained full faith in his skills.
Yuzvendra Chahal – ₹18 crore (Punjab Kings, IPL 2025)
Yuzvendra Chahal becoming a ₹18 crore signing highlights the growing value of spin bowlers in T20 cricket. His wicket-taking ability and experience make him a prized purchase.
Cameron Green – ₹17.50 crore (Mumbai Indians, IPL 2023)
Mumbai Indians invested heavily in Cameron Green for ₹17.50 crore, seeing him as a long-term all-rounder and dynamic top-order batter.
Ben Stokes – ₹16.25 crore (Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2023)
The legendary English all-rounder was bought by CSK for ₹16.25 crore, making him one of the top 10 Most Expensive Player in IPL. His big-match temperament and leadership skills drove his price.
Performance Comparison: Did They Justify Their Price?
High price tags come with high expectations. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Starc delivered strong performances and leadership impact.
- Pat Cummins justified his price by taking SRH to playoffs and contributing as captain.
- Sam Curran had a mixed season but remained influential.
- Arshdeep and Chahal proved their consistency in bowling.
- Green showed glimpses of brilliance with both bat and ball.
- Ben Stokes struggled with injuries but remains an elite cricketer.
Overall, most players provided significant value through leadership, performance, or all-round contributions.
Final Thoughts
The Indian Premier League has always been a tournament where talent, strategy, and financial power come together, creating unforgettable cricketing moments. The Most Expensive Player in IPL History highlight how franchises are willing to invest heavily in match-winners who can shift the momentum of an entire season. Whether it’s explosive batsmen, world-class all-rounders, or game-changing bowlers, these high-value stars reflect the evolving dynamics of modern T20 cricket.
Understanding who is the most expensive player in IPL history also gives fans insight into how team compositions are built and why certain players command premium prices. Each season pushes the boundaries further as teams compete fiercely to secure top performers.
As we move into future editions, the list of the Most Expensive Player in IPL will surely continue to evolve, driven by rising young talent, changing auction strategies, and increasing franchise budgets. One thing is certain—the IPL will continue to mesmerize global audiences with its star power, unpredictable auctions, and thrilling cricketing action.
FAQs
Who is the most expensive player in IPL history?
Rishabh Pant at ₹27 crore (IPL 2025).
Who is the most expensive overseas player in IPL history?
Mitchell Starc (KKR, ₹24.75 crore, IPL 2024).
Why do franchises spend so much on certain players?
Match-winning ability, all-round skills, leadership, and marketability.
Which team spends the most in IPL auctions?
Historically: Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Who was the most expensive player in IPL 2023?
Sam Curran – ₹18.50 crore.
Will we see ₹30 crore buys soon?
Very likely—possibly before IPL 2027.
Related Blog: WPL Retention 2026
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