IPL: Top five most expensive overseas players in history

Australian players have fetched huge amounts of money in the IPL auctions over the years.

Cricket fans have watched the Indian Premier League (IPL) change careers and bank balances for nearly two decades, and big-name overseas signings stand at the heart of that matter. Since the first ball was bowled in 2008, franchises have spent staggering sums on international stars who promised match-winning influence across different phases of T20 matches.

Franchises have acted with fierce ambition because overseas recruits enrich squads with skills that complement strong Indian cores, and auctions have continued to produce fierce showdowns between teams craving for the best squad. The numbers have climbed with every passing year, and fans have reacted with surprise, curiosity, frustration, or admiration each time a new figure has landed in headlines.

Meanwhile, the IPL keeps growing financially, and more international icons view the competition as a chance to test themselves in a sensational cricket environment with millions watching every ball.

Though several overseas cricketers have commanded headlines through the years, five names stand apart as the most expensive of all time. Each of them holds records at different points, and each symbolises a changing auction scene. Let’s take a look at the five most expensive overseas cricketers in IPL history.

Top five most expensive overseas cricketers in IPL history

5. Chris Morris – ₹16.25 crore (Rajasthan Royals, 2021)

Chris Morris walked into the 2021 mini-auction with his fast bowling skill and lower-order hitting that attracted the eye of analysts, and Rajasthan Royals (RR) paid ₹16.25 crore to secure him, a figure unimaginable during the earliest IPL years.

Before this move, Morris had already shown his knack for late-innings cameos and subtle pace changes, which gave him considerable appeal in shorter formats. Rajasthan hoped he would deliver wickets at the death, produce crucial runs, and strengthen tactical flexibility.

His season included 15 wickets, and he produced the form that once made him a favourite in different T20 leagues, but his economy rate above nine sparked debate about whether Rajasthan gained full value for their investment.

Even so, his record fee showed how franchises rate seasoned overseas all-round options, especially those who could influence tight finishes. The signing set the tone for future deals as teams realised prices could jump significantly for players offering multiple skills.

4. Sam Curran – ₹18.50 crore (Punjab Kings, 2023)

Two years later, Sam Curran gained global attention after England lifted the ICC 2022 T20 World Cup, where he claimed Player of the Tournament. Punjab Kings made a decisive move in 2023 and paid ₹18.50 crore, pushing Morris’ figure aside. Curran arrived as a left-arm seamer who could swing the new ball early, bowl at the death with accuracy, and strike cleanly in the lower middle order.

Several franchises tried to sign him in a hectic bidding contest, and Punjab paid a huge amount to bring him back after his earlier spell in 2019. Curran’s clever new-ball spells, combined with clutch contributions with bat and ball, gave Punjab a player who could influence both halves of an innings.

As talks progressed, his price showed how performances on major international stages affect IPL valuation. His reputation, youthful energy, and adaptability pushed up his value, creating debate but reinforcing his standing.

3. Pat Cummins – ₹20.50 crore (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2024)

Moving ahead to 2024, Pat Cummins became the first player to cross the ₹20 crore mark. It was a moment that drew huge interest and made Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) the focus of attention. His signing for ₹20.50 crore came from his recent achievements as Australia’s captain in Test and ODI cricket, along with his proven record in shorter formats.

SRH valued his leadership presence and death-overs efficiency, and his appointment lifted the squad. Cummins then helped SRH reach the final in the 2024 season and finished with 18 wickets, which backed up the fee. The Aussie superstar’s guidance in pressure moments helped younger players grow, and his role as captain pushed the group forward.

2. Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 crore (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2024)

Later in the same auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pushed out ₹24.75 crore for Mitchell Starc. The figure broke the new record and marked his return to the tournament after scheduling demands and injury breaks kept him away. Starc offered left-arm pace, swing early on, and fierce yorkers at the death. These are the qualities rare in T20 cricket.

KKR wanted a leader for their attack and backed Starc despite those long gaps from IPL cricket. His signing showed his strong international background and his reputation as a wicket-taker in pressure moments.

While fans debated the fee, KKR displayed clear intent by building their attack around a bowler known for quick breakthroughs rather than long spells. The fee showed how franchises value top-class fast bowling.

1. Cameron Green – ₹25.20 crore (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2026)

Cameron Green stands alone at the top. In 2026, KKR signed him for ₹25.20 crore in IPL 2026 mini-auction and pushed every previous overseas deal aside. His batting talent near the top, combined with brisk seam bowling and fielding skills, convinced KKR to spend heavily. The deal showed real belief in his potential to influence games while lifting several areas at once.

Green had already shown promise for Australia across formats. He has played innings full of bold strokes and delivered useful spells that added balance to every side he represented. As the bidding heated up, KKR kept their focus and completed an agreement that set a new financial marker for the competition. Green’s signing pushed values to new heights and placed him above compatriots Starc and Cummins.

This top five list displayed how spending habits have shifted across 13 years, finishing with a deal that changed how franchises think about overseas talent. Supporters keep wondering how far prices may go next, and whether another cricketer will pass Green’s record fee. For now, his signing stands at the top and shows how strongly franchises chase players they believe in.

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