The IPL 2026 auction delivered a historic moment as Cameron Green became one of the most expensive signings the league has ever seen. Kolkata Knight Riders snapped up the Australian all-rounder for a massive ₹25.20 crore, making him the third costliest player in IPL history and the most expensive overseas cricketer ever sold at the auction.
Green’s price eclipsed previous benchmarks set by fellow Australians Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, once again highlighting how highly franchises value fast-bowling all-rounders in the modern IPL.
The bidding drama unfolded at pace. Mumbai Indians opened proceedings with Green’s base price set at ₹2 crore. Rajasthan Royals and KKR quickly entered the contest, pushing the bid past ₹8 crore within minutes.
Rajasthan Royals then made an aggressive move, stretching their budget to ₹13.6 crore, which used up more than 80 percent of their available purse. CSK joined the bidding late but showed strong intent, driving the price beyond ₹18 crore.
What followed was a tense, high-stakes duel. Both franchises traded rapid bids as the figure crossed ₹23 crore. In the end, KKR held firm and sealed the deal at ₹25.20 crore.
Green’s IPL performances help explain the hefty investment. In his debut IPL season with the Mumbai Indians in 2023, he enjoyed a breakout campaign, scoring 452 runs, including a stunning unbeaten 100 off 47 balls, while also picking up six wickets.
After being traded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024, he had a mixed season and was briefly dropped midway but still finished with 255 runs and 10 wickets from 13 matches.
With his move to KKR, Green now takes his place among the biggest auction buys the league has ever seen. The top five most expensive players in IPL history currently include:
- Rishabh Pant – ₹27.00 crore (LSG, IPL 2025)
- Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 crore (PBKS, IPL 2025)
- Cameron Green – ₹25.20 crore (KKR, IPL 2026)
- Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 crore (KKR, IPL 2024)
- Venkatesh Iyer – ₹23.75 crore (KKR, IPL 2025)