List of most expensive players in IPL History - StatsRelated

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is synonymous with thrilling cricket action, star-studded teams, and groundbreaking records. Among these, the IPL auction stands out as a spectacle of its own. Each year, franchises bid fiercely for players who can turn the tide in their favor. Over the years, the league has witnessed record-breaking bids that underline the value of top-notch cricketing talent.

In 2025, the IPL auction reached unprecedented heights with Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive player in IPL history. Let’s take a detailed look at the evolution of the highest-priced players in IPL auctions, highlighting the astronomical figures involved and the reasoning behind these bids.

Most Expensive IPL Players Across All Seasons

Player	Team	Auction Price (INR)	Year
Rishabh Pant	Lucknow Super Giants	₹27 Crore	2025
Shreyas Iyer	Punjab Kings	₹26.75 Crore	2025
Mitchell Starc	Kolkata Knight Riders	₹24.75 Crore	2024
Pat Cummins	Sunrisers Hyderabad	₹20.50 Crore	2024
Sam Curran	Punjab Kings	₹18.50 Crore	2023
Cameron Green	Mumbai Indians	₹17.50 Crore	2023
Ben Stokes	Chennai Super Kings	₹16.25 Crore	2023
Chris Morris	Rajasthan Royals	₹16.25 Crore	2021
Yuvraj Singh	Delhi Daredevils	₹16 Crore	2015
Nicholas Pooran	Lucknow Super Giants	₹16 Crore	2023
Pat Cummins	Kolkata Knight Riders	₹15.50 Crore	2020
Ishan Kishan	Mumbai Indians	₹15.25 Crore	2022

Year-Wise Most Expensive IPL Players

Year	Players & Teams	Price (INR)
2008	MS Dhoni (CSK)	₹9.5 crore
2009	Kevin Pietersen (RCB), Andrew Flintoff (CSK)	₹9.8 crore
2010	Shane Bond (KKR), Kieron Pollard (MI)	₹4.8 crore
2011	Gautam Gambhir (KKR)	₹14.9 crore
2012	Ravindra Jadeja (CSK)	₹12.8 crore
2013	Glenn Maxwell (MI)	₹6.3 crore
2014	Yuvraj Singh (RCB)	₹14 crore
2015	Yuvraj Singh (DD)	₹16 crore
2016	Shane Watson (RCB)	₹9.5 crore
2017	Ben Stokes (RPS)	₹14.5 crore
2018	Ben Stokes (RR)	₹12.5 crore
2019	Jaydev Unadkat (RR)	₹8.4 crore
2020	Pat Cummins (KKR)	₹15.5 crore
2021	Chris Morris (RR)	₹16.25 crore
2022	Ishan Kishan (MI)	₹15.25 crore
2023	Sam Curran (PBKS)	₹18.5 crore
2024	Mitchell Starc (KKR)	₹24.75 crore
2025	Rishabh Pant (LSG)	₹27 crore

Analysis of Record-Breaking Auctions

2025: Rishabh Pant Makes History

Rishabh Pant shattered all previous records in the 2025 auction when Lucknow Super Giants acquired him for ₹27 crore. Known for his fearless batting style and remarkable leadership qualities, Pant was a hot favorite. His ability to change games single-handedly made him a priceless addition for LSG.

In the same year, Shreyas Iyer was picked up by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore, marking another milestone in IPL history. Iyer’s consistent performances as a middle-order batsman and his leadership experience played a significant role in this bidding war.

2024: Fast Bowlers Dominate

The 2024 auction saw a heavy emphasis on bowlers, with Mitchell Starc becoming the most expensive player of the year at ₹24.75 crore. Kolkata Knight Riders invested in Starc for his lethal pace and wicket-taking ability. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins joined Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹20.50 crore, cementing the value of bowlers in the IPL.

The Rise of All-Rounders

All-rounders like Sam Curran, Cameron Green, and Ben Stokes have consistently fetched high prices in IPL auctions. Their ability to contribute both with the bat and ball makes them invaluable assets. Sam Curran's record-breaking ₹18.50 crore bid in 2023 by Punjab Kings highlighted the trend of franchises prioritizing multi-skilled players.

The Indian Connection

Over the years, Indian players have commanded significant auction prices, reflecting their central role in IPL teams. From Ishan Kishan’s ₹15.25 crore deal in 2022 to Rishabh Pant's record-setting bid in 2025, domestic players continue to be hot properties in the auction.

Consistency in High Prices

Players like Chris Morris (2021) and Yuvraj Singh (2015) set early benchmarks for the high-stakes bidding wars. Their records held strong for years, demonstrating the enduring demand for experienced, game-changing players.

Trends in IPL Auctions

1. Emphasis on Star Power: Franchises prioritize players with proven track records and match-winning abilities, as seen with Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Starc.
2. All-Rounders in Demand: Players like Sam Curran and Cameron Green, who excel in multiple aspects of the game, continue to command premium prices.
3. Focus on Indian Talent: Indian players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer showcase the league's commitment to nurturing local talent.
4. Bowling Supremacy: The rise in prices for bowlers like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc underscores the importance of having a strong bowling attack.

Conclusion

The IPL auction is more than just a prelude to the tournament; it is a platform where teams lay the foundation for their success. The record-breaking bids for players like Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Starc reflect the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket and the franchises’ focus on acquiring match-winners.

Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 crore deal in 2025 highlights how players with exceptional skills and leadership qualities are valued in this competitive environment. As the league grows, the IPL auction will undoubtedly continue to set new benchmarks, ensuring its place as the most exciting cricketing event worldwide.

The stage is set for future auctions to break more records, offering fans another reason to celebrate the extravaganza that is the IPL.