Top 10 Most Expensive Players in IPL 2026 Auction
The IPL 2026 mini auction in Abu Dhabi (December 16, 2025) shattered records. With a combined franchise purse of Rs 237.55 crore, teams spent over Rs 215 crore on 77 players. KKR and CSK dominated the evening. Here are the 10 costliest buys.
Complete Top 10 Price List
| # | Player | Team | Price (Cr) | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cameron Green | KKR | 25.20 | All-rounder (AUS) |
| 2 | Matheesha Pathirana | KKR | 18.00 | Pacer (SL) |
| 3 | Kartik Sharma | CSK | 14.20 | WK-Batter (IND, uncapped) |
| 4 | Prashant Veer | CSK | 14.20 | Left-arm Spinner (IND, uncapped) |
| 5 | Liam Livingstone | SRH | 12.96 | All-rounder (ENG) |
| 6 | Mustafizur Rahman | KKR | 9.20 | Pacer (BAN) |
| 7 | Josh Inglis | LSG | 8.64 | WK-Batter (AUS) |
| 8 | Auqib Nabi | DC | 8.40 | All-rounder (IND) |
| 9 | Ravi Bishnoi | RR | 7.20 | Leg-spinner (IND) |
| 10 | Venkatesh Iyer / Jason Holder | RCB / GT | 7.02 | All-rounders |
1. Cameron Green (KKR) – Rs 25.20 Crore
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history, surpassing Mitchell Starc's Rs 24.75 crore record from 2024. KKR won a fierce bidding war against MI, RR and CSK. Green is the third-costliest player overall, behind Rishabh Pant (Rs 27 crore) and Shreyas Iyer (Rs 26.75 crore). His dual ability to bat in the top order and bowl pace makes him a genuine match-winner.
2. Matheesha Pathirana (KKR) – Rs 18 Crore
The Sri Lankan slinging yorker specialist became the most expensive Sri Lankan in IPL auction history. Pathirana's ability to bowl consistently at 145+ kmph with an unorthodox action makes him nearly impossible to pick at the death. KKR now boast a fearsome pace attack alongside Green and Mustafizur Rahman.
3-4. Kartik Sharma & Prashant Veer (CSK) – Rs 14.20 Crore Each
CSK's boldest move was investing Rs 28.40 crore combined in two uncapped teenagers. Kartik Sharma (19, WK-batter from Rajasthan) entered at a base of just Rs 30 lakh – a staggering 473x return. Prashant Veer (20, left-arm spinner from UP) represents CSK's investment in the next generation as they prepare for the post-Dhoni era.
5. Liam Livingstone (SRH) – Rs 12.96 Crore
England's explosive all-rounder joins SRH's already devastating batting lineup. At Chinnaswamy, Wankhede and other flat tracks, Livingstone's 360-degree hitting will complement Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen. He's also a handy off-spinner who can deliver 2-3 overs in the middle.
Auction by the Numbers
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Players Sold | 77 |
| Overseas Players | 29 |
| Total Spend | Rs 215.45 Crore |
| Biggest Spender | KKR (Rs 64.30 Cr purse) |
| Highest Base Price Multiplier | Kartik Sharma (473x) |
Most Expensive Players in IPL History (All-Time)
| # | Player | Price (Cr) | Team | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | 27.00 | LSG | 2025 |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | 26.75 | PBKS | 2025 |
| 3 | Cameron Green | 25.20 | KKR | 2026 |
| 4 | Mitchell Starc | 24.75 | KKR | 2024 |
| 5 | Venkatesh Iyer | 23.75 | KKR | 2025 |