The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the largest cricket events in the world. Every year, the auction attracts great attention from fans, team owners and the media. As the IPL grows, player transfers are also rising rapidly. This guide lists the top 10 most expensive player in IPL history by 2025. Posted the amount paid by the team, the season purchased, and their performance. We also analyze annual trends and compare Indian and foreign players. Whether you’re a regular IPL viewer or someone interested in auction drama, this list of the top 10 most expensive player in IPL history clearly shows how money shapes the tournament.
Top 10 Most Expensive IPL Players of All Time (2025)
Based on the auction price, the top 10 most expensive player in IPL history are summarized in an easy-to-understand table with the latest purchase prices for 2025.
| Rank | Player | Price (INR) | USD Est. | Team | Year |
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | ₹27 Cr | $3.2 M | Lucknow Super Giants | 2025 |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | ₹26.75 Cr | $3.17 M | Punjab Kings | 2025 |
| 3 | Mitchell Starc | ₹24.75 Cr | $2.93 M | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2024 |
| 4 | Pat Cummins | ₹20.50 Cr | $2.43 M | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2024 |
| 5 | Sam Curran | ₹18.50 Cr | $2.2 M | Punjab Kings | 2023 |
| 6 | Cameron Green | ₹17.50 Cr | $2.07 M | Mumbai Indians | 2023 |
| 7 | Ben Stokes | ₹16.25 Cr | $1.92 M | Chennai Super Kings | 2023 |
| 8 | Chris Morris | ₹16.25 Cr | $1.92 M | Rajasthan Royals | 2021 |
| 9 | Yuvraj Singh | ₹16.00 Cr | $1.89 M | Delhi Daredevils | 2015 |
| 10 | Nicholas Pooran | ₹16.00 Cr | $1.89 M | Lucknow Super Giants | 2023 |
| — | Pat Cummins* | ₹15.50 Cr | $1.83 M | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2020 |
| — | Ishan Kishan* | ₹15.25 Cr | $1.8 M | Mumbai Indians | 2022 |
The price is the same, but slightly lower than the top 10, so some players rank 11th to 12th. Please note that the top 10 most expensive player in IPL history are focused on the highest auction prices ever paid. Pat Cummins (Rs. 155 million in 2020) and Ishan Kishan (Rs. 152.5 million in 2022) were also very expensive, but are not in the top 10.
Player Profiles: Deep Dive for Each of the Top 10
Take a closer look at the top 10 most expensive player in IPL history and explore why they were so appreciated, the milestones of their careers and their performance after the auction.
1. Rishabh Pant – ₹27 Crore (Lucknow Super Giants, 2025)
Rishab Pant was awarded the Lucknow Super Giants record-breaking Rs. 2.7 crore at auction in 2025, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. After returning from injury, he maintained good performance in the domestic game and became a prominent figure. Aggressive blows, leadership skills, and the experience of deciding matches became a valuable investment for LSG.
What Made Him So Valuable
Bread had just made a strong return from injury. He was known for his ability to determine matches, his tremendous speed as a catcher, and his leadership skills.
Career Highlights at Time of Auction
- More than 2,800 IPL points and 140 strike rates
- Gaba Test to decide the match 89 *
- One of India’s most consistent wicketkeeper batters
Post-Auction Performance
Bread marked 480 runs (three of 50) in the season and met expectations. His calm presence helped LSG advance to the playoffs.
Quote
LSG coach: “Rishabh brings that fearless energy. He’s a leader and a match-winner rolled into one.”
2. Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 Crore (Punjab Kings, 2025)
The price of Rs 26.75 crore for Shreyas Iyer at the 2025 IPL auction indicates that Punjab Kings is strongly trusted by his calm leadership and stable midfield blow. Known for supporting the Innings under pressure, Iyer was regarded as a solid track record and reliable source of scoring as captain. Punjab saw his experience and mature leadership as the ideal person to bring balance to the team and guide young players.
Why So Valuable
Shreyas Iyer was a proven leader in play-offs experience, sustaining good results without injury.
Career Highlights at Time of Auction
- More than 2,900 points in IPL
- Captains at Delhi Capitals and KKR
- Known for guiding pursuit under pressure
Post-Auction Performance
He scored 410 runs and played the anchor of the line. PBKS missed the playoffs, but Iyer’s presence stabilized the team.
Quote
PBKS team director: “We wanted someone who could lead by example. Shreyas has that calm presence.”
3. Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 Crore (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2024)
Mitchell Starc made a historic comeback to the IPL in 2024 with KKR gaining ₹24.75 crore, the most expensive player of the season. Known for its intense speed and pinpoint yorkers, Mitchell Starc was expected to lead the bowling attack. Although he showed some great performances, injuries and unstable performances affected his overall influence.
Why So Valuable
Mitchell Starc speed, swing and power play influence made him one of the most popular fast bowlers in the world.
Career Highlights at Time of Auction
- More than 300 international wickets
- Best player of the 2015 World Cup tournament
- Frightening New Sphere Weapons
Post-Auction Performance
Mitchell Starc had a solid season with 16 wickets. His new-ball throws often gave KKR an early advantage, but in some games, he lost a lot.
Quote
KKR bowling coach: “When Starc runs in, you feel something’s going to happen. He brings intimidation.”
4. Pat Cummins – ₹20.50 Crore (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2024)
Pat Cummins was again talked about when SunRisers Hyderabad won him for Rs 250 million at the 2024 IPL auction. For him, such a huge deal was not the first time. In 2020, he was already one of the most expensive players. A world-class fast bowler, he became a popular player due to his reputation as Australia’s World Cup-winning captain. SRH expected to take advantage of his speed and experience to lead the bowling attack.
Why So Valuable
His leadership in winning the World Test Championship in Australia and his control of the ball in the deadover made him valuable.
Career Highlights at Time of Auction
- Australian Test and ODI Captain
- Known for solid bowling in critical situations
- Impressive physical strength and work ethic
Post-Auction Performance
Cummins took 14 wickets and Des’ throw was also good. His captainship helped SRH improve its ranking.
Quote
SRH captain: “Pat’s calmness in pressure situations is unmatched. He brings international experience and balance.”
5. Sam Curran – ₹18.50 Crore (Punjab Kings, 2023)
Sam Curran set a new record at IPL auction in 2023, when Punjab Kings won Rs 185 million, making him the most expensive player of the time. Combined with his power play and deadover pitching ability, he became a top pick. PBKS hoped his all-round performance would solve the middle order and bowling problems.
Why So Valuable
He was named the tournament’s best player at the 2022 T20 World Cup and is known for his left-arm fast ball and lower striking.
Career Highlights at Time of Auction
- More than 150 wickets in T20
- Also active in bat – strike rate over 130
- Age advantages – then 24 years old
Post-Auction Performance
He scored 18 strikes and 160 runs in 2023. Performance played an important role in the planning of Punjab Indians.
Quote
PBKS bowling coach: “Sam is a utility player. He gives us three things—swing, control, and runs.”
6. Cameron Green – ₹17.50 Crore (Mumbai Indians, 2023)
Mumbai Indians cost Cameron Green an Australian all-rounder Rs 17.5 crore at auction in 2023. The franchise found long-term value in his powerful blow and convenient medium pace. At that time, Green was a future star of world cricket. In his debut season IPL marked several strong innings, but expectations were high and MI expected him to grow into a core player.
Why So Valuable
He marked 100 points of fast attack in T20 against India, indicating his potential as a seam bowling power hitter.
Career Highlights at Time of Auction
- Mark 100 * in 47 balls against India
- Regular in all three formats in Australia
- Excellent fitness and fielding
Post-Auction Performance
Green scored more than 300 runs and took six wickets. His 95 * knock became one of MI’s season highlights.
Quote
MI batting coach: “Green is young, fearless, and adapts fast. He’s a long-term investment.”
7. Ben Stokes – ₹16.25 Crore (Chennai Super Kings, 2023)
Chennai Super Kings made headlines in the 2023 auction by spending ₹16.25 crore on England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes. Known for his ability to decide matches and leadership, Stokes was regarded as a valuable force in both the batting and throwing divisions for CSK. However, despite high expectations, Stokes suffered from injury and was unable to play many matches, and fans questioned whether the price was justified.
Why So Valuable
Having won the World Cup, Stokes had a rare ability to determine matches in both bat and ball.
Career Highlights at Time of Auction
- Hero of the 2019 World Cup Final
- Two centuries in IPL before 2023
- All-round ability and finish power
Post-Auction Performance
I struggled with injury, but I played 6 matches, marked 180 runs and took 4 wickets.
Quote
CSK staff: “Ben’s a proven performer. His presence uplifts the squad, even when he’s not 100%.”
8. Chris Morris – ₹16.25 Crore (Rajasthan Royals, 2021)
In 2021, Rajasthan Royals took Chris Morris for the highest Rs. 16.25 crore in IPL history and surprised cricket. Morris, characterized by dead over throws and big hits on lower strikes, was considered the perfect package for the T20. The team expected his experience to strengthen both the batting and throwing divisions.
Why So Valuable
Excellent in dead over throw, blow in lower order, experience in IPL and international competition.
Career Highlights at Time of Auction
- 94 strikes in T20
- Economy rate below 7 in IPL 2020
- Experience in high pressure leagues
Post-Auction Performance
He played several times, including 14 strikeouts in 11 games and 20 points or more.
Quote
RR coach: “Morris fits our death overs plan perfectly. We wanted control.”
9. Yuvraj Singh – ₹16 Crore (Delhi Daredevils, 2015)
In the 2015 IPL auction, Delhi Daredevils made headlines by paying ₹16 crore for the experienced Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Known for his strong batting and ability to decide matches, Juvraj was one of the most popular players in the league. At that time, he had extensive international experience and was expected to be a key player for the Devils that season.
Why So Valuable
Players loved by fans, ability to decide matches, and IPL veteran with strong finish skills.
Career Highlights at Time of Auction
- 6 sixes in an over (2007)
- Play in the 2007 and 2011 ICC tournaments
- IPL strike rate about 130
Post-Auction Performance
Yuvraj had a mixed season scoring 248 runs. He played Innings saving several matches.
Quote
Team director: “Yuvraj’s presence in the dressing room was as valuable as his runs.”
10. Nicholas Pooran – ₹16 Crore (Lucknow Super Giants, 2023)
At the 2023 IPL auction, Lucknow Super Giants surprised many by casting a huge sum of Rs 1.6 crore on West Indies wicketkeeper and batter Nicholas Pooran. Known for its explosive blows and sharp wicketkeeping techniques, Pooran had gained worldwide attention for his aggressive style and ability to quickly reverse matches. The ability to conclude the match became a valuable asset to the LSG line.
Why So Valuable
Explosive blow, worldwide T20 experience and consistency to conclude matches.
Career Highlights at Time of Auction
- More than 150 6 hits in T20
- Known for exceeding the strike rate of 150
- Clean both spin and pace
Post-Auction Performance
Pooran played an important role in the LSG campaign by marking more than 500 runs, scoring four 50 and several 40.
Quote
LSG batting coach: “Pooran has the power to change any game in 5 overs. That’s rare.”
Year-on-Year Comparison of Top Auction Buys
The auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been the highlight of the tournament, showcasing exciting bidding wars and record-breaking deals. Over the years, the price of the team paying players has steadily increased. In this section, we will analyze the highest-grossing players from the start of the IPL in 2008 to 2025 and examine how auction prices have changed due to inflation, competition and special mega auctions.
Timeline of Most Expensive Player Each IPL Year (2008–2025)
| Year | Player | Price (INR) | Team |
| 2008 | Yuvraj Singh | ₹8.9 crore | Delhi Daredevils |
| 2009 | Adam Gilchrist | ₹4.25 crore | Deccan Chargers |
| 2010 | Sreesanth | ₹7 crore | Kochi Tuskers Kerala |
| 2011 | Chris Gayle | ₹7.5 crore | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| 2012 | Yuvraj Singh | ₹7.5 crore | Pune Warriors India |
| 2013 | Dinesh Karthik | ₹5.5 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 2014 | Michael Clarke | ₹8 crore | Mumbai Indians |
| 2015 | Yuvraj Singh | ₹16 crore | Delhi Daredevils |
| 2016 | Ben Stokes | ₹12.5 crore | Rising Pune Supergiant |
| 2017 | Ben Stokes | ₹12.5 crore | Rising Pune Supergiant |
| 2018 | Jaydev Unadkat | ₹11.5 crore | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2019 | Varun Chakravarthy | ₹8.4 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 2020 | Pat Cummins | ₹15.5 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 2021 | Chris Morris | ₹16.25 crore | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2022 | Ishan Kishan | ₹15.25 crore | Mumbai Indians |
| 2023 | Sam Curran | ₹18.5 crore | Punjab Kings |
| 2024 | Mitchell Starc | ₹24.75 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 2025 | Rishabh Pant | ₹27 crore | Lucknow Super Giants |
Price Trend Analysis: From ₹4 Crore to ₹27 Crore
- Early Years (2008–2013): In the initial phase of IPL, the highest bid price was around Rs. 7-8 crore. Players like Yuvraj Singh and Michael Clarke took the lead in the auction. The market was new and the team was looking for a strategy.
- Mid-2010s Surge (2014–2017): Prices rose steadily, and Yuvraj Singh broke the previous record of Rs 1.6 crore in 2015. All-rounders such as Ben Stokes have won high contracts due to their versatile skills.
- Stabilization and Spike (2018–2021): Auction prices stabilized mostly between ₹8–16 crore. However, mega auctions in 2020 and 2021 saw bidding wars push prices higher. Chris Morris broke the ₹16 crore barrier in 2021.
- Recent Years (2022–2025): The prices of the most expensive players have skyrocketed, reaching Rs 270 million in 2025. This rise reflects inflation, rising popularity and the presence of teams that invest heavily in key players such as Rishab Pant and Mitchell Stark.
Biggest Auction Surprises and Flops
In the high-risk world of IPL auctions, teams pose a huge sum to players in anticipation of a match-dependent performance. But not all high-paying contracts meet expectations. Here, we will verify the most surprising of the top 10 players in IPL history, and the players who ended up in unexpected performance despite signing a high contract.
Chris Morris – ₹16.25 Crore (Rajasthan Royals, 2021)
Chris Morris surprised the cricket world with Rajasthan Royals paying him Rs. 16.25 crore in 2021. This became the most expensive player in IPL history at the time. But Morris could not perform at this price.
Post-Auction Performance:
He made 11 appearances, took 14 wickets and scored 9.5 runs per over. This was higher than expected as a deadover specialist. He made a minimum of 59 runs in the season.
Why It Was a Flop:
Morris saw instability in the throw line and length. His expensive throw damaged RR chances in several matches. Due to injuries and physical problems, he was unable to demonstrate the value of the high price.
Pat Cummins – ₹15.50 Crore (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2020)
While Pat Cummins is one of the world’s top players, the high transfer of Rs 155 million in 2020 did not lead to many appearances.
Post-Auction Performance:
Cummins was only able to play six games due to injury, and only took five wickets with a bowling average of 40 or above. Because of his limited time, the Kolkata Nightriders were unable to fully demonstrate his potential.
Why It Was a Flop:
Due to poor health and limited opportunities, KKR was not able to get enough results to match the record-breaking high earned amount that season.
Ishan Kishan – ₹15.25 Crore (Mumbai Indians, 2022)
Ishan Kishan’s bid for 15.25 Kroll became one of the highest ever unregistered players, but his performance was quite small.
Post-Auction Performance:
Kishan scored 450 runs in 18 games, three of them 50. The strike rate was about 135. Although it was a solid performance, it did not match the purchase amount exceeding 15 crores.
Why It Was a Surprise:
Kishan occasionally shone, but lacked the consistency to conclude the match. Considering the high price, fans expected more explosive innings.
Ben Stokes – ₹16.25 Crore (Chennai Super Kings, 2023)
CSK invested heavily in Ben Stokes, but his influence was limited due to injury.
Post-Auction Performance:
Stokes played six games, hitting 180 runs and taking four wickets. He struggled to recover completely after international games.
Why It Was a Flop:
Due to Stokes’ inability to play a full season, Chennai failed to demonstrate the potential of a high-priced all-rounder.
Despite these failures, IPL auctions are still exciting because they can be expensive or sometimes unexpected star players. The unpredictability is one of the reasons why we keep attracting fans every season. In IPL auctions, players from various categories such as Indian players, overseas players, bowlers, and non-capped players often collect high bids. Divide the top 10 top players in IPL history into these categories to see who is top in each category.
Most Expensive Players by Category
In the IPL auctions, players from different categories Indian, overseas, bowlers, and uncapped often attract big bids. Let’s break down the top 10 most expensive player in IPL history into these categories to see who leads the spending in each.
Most Expensive Indian Players
Indian players are highly regarded because the team relies on strong local talent to build core members. Auction prices for Indian players have risen steadily as young players improve their quality and performance.
| Rank | Player | Auction Price | Year | Team |
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | ₹27 Crore | 2025 | Lucknow Super Giants |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | ₹26.75 Crore | 2025 | Punjab Kings |
| 3 | Yuvraj Singh | ₹16 Crore | 2015 | Delhi Daredevils |
| 4 | Ishan Kishan | ₹15.25 Crore | 2022 | Mumbai Indians |
Notes:
- Rishabh Pant bid for Rs 2.7 crore in 2025 is the highest paid to an Indian player.
- Shreyas Iyer continues to show that the team is ready to invest heavily in young and stable Indian batters.
- Veteran Yuvraj Singh won a high bid in 2015 from experience and ability to decide the match.
- The price of Ishan Kishan as an unregistered player shows the demand for attractive young talent.
Most Expensive Overseas Players
Overseas players bring different skills and experience to IPL. Fast-ball pitchers and all-rounders from overseas have the ability to play an important role, and are often awarded with the highest bid amount.
| Rank | Player | Auction Price | Year | Team |
| 1 | Mitchell Starc | ₹24.75 Crore | 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 2 | Pat Cummins | ₹20.50 Crore | 2024 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 3 | Sam Curran | ₹18.50 Crore | 2023 | Punjab Kings |
| 4 | Cameron Green | ₹17.50 Crore | 2023 | Mumbai Indians |
| 5 | Ben Stokes | ₹16.25 Crore | 2023 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 6 | Chris Morris | ₹16.25 Crore | 2021 | Rajasthan Royals |
| 7 | Nicholas Pooran | ₹16 Crore | 2023 | Lucknow Super Giants |
Note:
- Mitchell Starc won Rs 247.5 million in 2024, making him the highest-paid overseas player of all time.
- Pat Cummins, the key pace bowler, was awarded Rs 205 million in the same year.
- Many of these players are all-rounders or specialist bowlers, indicating that the team appreciates these roles from abroad.
Most Expensive Bowlers
Bowling is an important factor for any team, and at IPL auction, bowlers who secure important wickets and control matches are the most expensive players.
| Rank | Player | Auction Price | Year | Team |
| 1 | Mitchell Starc | ₹24.75 Crore | 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 2 | Pat Cummins | ₹20.50 Crore | 2024 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 3 | Sam Curran | ₹18.50 Crore | 2023 | Punjab Kings |
| 4 | Chris Morris | ₹16.25 Crore | 2021 | Rajasthan Royals |
Note:
- Mitchell Stark and Pat Cummins reign as the most expensive bowlers, reflecting the team’s trust in their fast bowling skills.
- Both Sam Curran and Chris Morris are all-rounders, excelling in the balance of bowling and batting, increasing their value.
Most Expensive Uncapped Players
An undrafted player is a player who has never played in international cricket but has shown great potential in domestic and other T20 leagues. Large investments in undrafted players are risky, but may be rewarded.
| Rank | Player | Auction Price | Year | Team |
| 1 | Ishan Kishan | ₹15.25 Crore | 2022 | Mumbai Indians |
Note:
- Ishan Kishan is the most expensive undrafted player to date and was awarded at Rs 15.25 crore in 2022.
- His price shows that the IPL team is active in investing in potential young players.
Conclusion
IPL continues to update player prices. With Rs 2.7 crore in Rishabh Pant and Rs 26.75 crore in Shreyas Year, the top 10 most expensive player in IPL history are shining. The team continues to invest heavily in both overseas bowlers and Indian star batters. Auctions are full of excitement some of the high-paid players meet expectations, some may not, and always come with surprises.
