At Rs 25.2 Cr Green Becomes Costliest Player in IPL History

KKR makes history with Cameron Green’s record-breaking Rs 25.20 crore purchase, outbidding CSK in a thrilling auction duel. RCB secures Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore, while Liam Livingstone goes unsold, surprising fans and analysts alike. Top Indian batters Sarfaraz Khan and Prithvi Shaw fail to attract bids despite recent explosive performances.

By PC BUREAU

December 16, 2025 — The IPL 2026 mini-auction opened with fireworks as Australian all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured Green for a staggering Rs 25.20 crore, after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), setting a new benchmark for global franchise cricket.

Green’s record-breaking price surpassed Mitchell Starc’s Rs 24.75 crore, which had been the previous IPL record for an overseas player during the 2024 auction. The fee also marks a world record for any overseas player in a professional franchise tournament. KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, stating, “We were keen but not overly attached to Green. Had the bidding gone higher, we would have let him go. We are very happy with the price we secured him for.”

🚨 CAMERON GREEN – THE MOST EXPENSIVE OVERSEAS PLAYER 🚨

Cameron Green sold to KKR at 25.20 Crore INR 🔥

18 crore to Cam Green
7.20 crore to players welfare

– He’ll now receive only 18cr as per the new BCCI rules 👏🏻

– What’s your take 🤔 #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/PC477Xme5f

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 16, 2025

Auction Recap: Early Sets

The auction began with Set 1, featuring capped batters. Green dominated the headlines, but there were surprises for Indian cricket fans as domestic stars Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold despite strong recent performances. David Miller was snapped up by Delhi Capitals (DC) at his base price of Rs 2 crore.

Set 2, which included capped all-rounders, saw Venkatesh Iyer join RCB for Rs 7 crore. England’s Liam Livingstone, expected to attract high bids, went unsold, leaving fans and analysts shocked. Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at his base price of Rs 2 crore.

In Set 3, featuring capped wicket-keepers, Quinton de Kock returned to Mumbai Indians (MI) for Rs 1 crore. England’s Ben Duckett went to Delhi Capitals, while New Zealand’s Finn Allen joined KKR. However, Jonny Bairstow, Jamie Smith, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz went unsold, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the mini-auction.

Bidding Highlights and Auction Trends

The mini-auction features 369 players, including both capped and uncapped talents, with top overseas stars leading the early bidding wars.
Several big-name overseas players are subject to IPL’s maximum-fee rule, limiting salaries at mini-auctions to Rs 18 crore, regardless of the bid. This prevents players from skipping mega-auctions and ensures financial balance among franchises.
Indian spinners like Ravi Bishnoi and Rahul Chahar are attracting considerable interest, with teams seeking frontline spin options to strengthen their squads.

Team Strategies and Available Slots

Franchises arrived at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi well-prepared, each with specific requirements:

KKR has the largest purse at Rs 64.30 crore and 13 slots to fill. The team is targeting top-order overseas batters, wicket-keepers, and all-rounders, including a potential captaincy candidate.
CSK, with Rs 43.40 crore, is focused on bolstering its middle-order after the trades of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, while also seeking an overseas pacer and a lead Indian spinner.
Other franchises, including Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, are prioritizing Indian spinners and versatile all-rounders to strengthen squad balance.

🚨Most expensive overseas buy till now is Cameron Green for ₹25.2CR.🚨

KKR got hold of Green after long bidding from CSK and RR.❤️‍🔥#IPL2026 #IPLAuction #KKR #CSK pic.twitter.com/taLfV2T5cc

— Analoy Majumder (@AnaloyM) December 16, 2025

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Auction Surprises

The auction has already produced shocks: Liam Livingstone, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Devon Conway, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz all went unsold despite strong domestic and international performances. Analysts suggest that these players may find buyers later in the accelerated or post-auction phases.

With multiple high-profile uncapped players and remaining overseas stars yet to be sold, the IPL 2026 mini-auction promises more dramatic moments. Franchises are carefully managing budgets and strategic needs, aiming to assemble competitive squads ahead of the upcoming season. The first day of bidding has already set the tone for what could be one of the most memorable IPL auctions in recent history.

The action continues at the Etihad Arena, with fans, franchises, and cricket enthusiasts keeping a close eye on the remaining 366 players set to go under the hammer.

IPL 2026 Auction Live: How much each team can spend