The Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions have always been a spectacle, where franchises battle fiercely to secure the services of top-notch players who can make a significant impact on the field. Over the years, the price tags attached to these players have soared to unprecedented heights. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 most expensive buys in IPL auction history.
1. Mitchell Starc – Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 24.75 Crore (2024)
In 2024, the Kolkata Knight Riders made a bold statement by acquiring the services of the Australian speedster, Mitchell Starc, for a staggering Rs 24.75 Crore. Known for his lethal pace and swing, Starc promises to be a game-changer for the Knight Riders in the upcoming season. He is the most expensive player ever in IPL Auction history
2. Pat Cummins – Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 20.50 Crore (2024)
Another Australian paceman, Pat Cummins, fetched a jaw-dropping Rs 20.50 Crore in the 2024 auction, as the Sunrisers Hyderabad secured his services. Cummins’ ability to deliver breakthroughs with the ball and contribute with the bat makes him a prized asset for any team. Cummins is the second highest paid IPL player.
3. Sam Curran – Punjab Kings – Rs 18.50 Crore (2023)
In 2023 mini IPL auction, the Punjab Kings made headlines by acquiring the versatile English all-rounder Sam Curran for a hefty sum of Rs 18.50 Crore. Curran’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds depth to the Kings’ squad. He has not performed upto his expectation as yet.
4. Cameron Green – Mumbai Indians – Rs 17.50 Crore (2023)
The Mumbai Indians splurged Rs 17.50 Crore on Australian all-rounder Cameron Green in the 2023 auction. Green’s potential to deliver impactful performances in all facets of the game makes him a valuable addition to the defending champions’ lineup.
5. Ben Stokes – Chennai Super Kings – Rs 16.25 Crore (2023)
The Chennai Super Kings secured the services of the dynamic English all-rounder Ben Stokes for Rs 16.25 Crore in the 2023 auction. Stokes’ ability to single-handedly change the course of a game makes him a priceless asset in the T20 format. But unfortunately Stokes as badly injured in the last IPL and has been dropped from CSK Team.
6. Chris Morris – Rajasthan Royals – Rs 16.25 Crore (2021)
Back in 2021, Chris Morris became the highest-paid player in IPL history when the Rajasthan Royals bagged him for a hefty Rs 16.25 Crore. Morris’ all-round abilities, including his explosive batting and effective bowling, made him a hot commodity in the auction.
7. Yuvraj Singh – Delhi Daredevils – Rs 16 Crore (2015)
In 2015, the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) made a significant splash by acquiring Indian cricketing icon Yuvraj Singh for Rs 16 Crore. Yuvraj’s experience and big-hitting prowess were expected to bring a new dimension to the Daredevils’ lineup.
8. Nicholas Pooran – Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 16 Crore (2023)
The Lucknow Super Giants entered the IPL arena with a bang in 2023, securing the explosive West Indian batsman Nicholas Pooran for Rs 16 Crore. Pooran’s ability to score quick runs and his electric fielding make him a thrilling addition to any T20 side.
9. Pat Cummins – Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 15.50 Crore (2020)
Pat Cummins makes a second appearance on this list, this time as a Kolkata Knight Rider in the 2020 auction. The Knight Riders showed their faith in Cummins’ ability to lead the bowling attack by securing him for Rs 15.50 Crore.
10. Ishan Kishan – Mumbai Indians – Rs 15.25 Crore (2022)
In 2022, the Mumbai Indians invested Rs 15.25 Crore in retaining the services of their dynamic young wicketkeeper-batsman, Ishan Kishan. Kishan’s aggressive batting and agility behind the stumps make him a promising talent for the future.
As we anticipate another thrilling season of the IPL in 2024, it’s worth noting that the action is set to commence in the first week of April. Cricket enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await the clash of titans, where the costliest buys of the auction will strive to justify their price tags with stellar performances on the field. The stage is set for a cricketing extravaganza that promises excitement, entertainment, and perhaps a few more record-breaking deals in the years to come.
