One of the biggest highlights of the auction is when a player becomes the most expensive signing. These moments define the list of IPL Most Expensive Players and attract huge attention.
Over the years player prices have increased rapidly. Rising bids for Most Expensive Uncapped Players also show how auction spending has grown significantly.
In this article we will look at the IPL Most Expensive Players from 2008 to 2026. You will also understand how auction prices have increased over time and which players became the IPL highest paid player in their respective seasons.
How the IPL Auction Works?
The IPL auction is the process where franchises buy players before each season. Teams are given a fixed budget and they bid for players based on their performance, reputation, and team requirements.
There are two main types of auctions:
- Mega Auction – Happens every few years during the IPL Mega Auction when teams can rebuild their entire squad and reshape their long term strategy.
- Mini Auction – Smaller auction held before most seasons where teams fill gaps and strengthen specific areas.
In every auction, the player who receives the biggest bid becomes the IPL highest priced player of that season. Sometimes, two players share the same highest amount.
IPL Most Expensive Players – Season Wise List (2008–2026)
Below is the complete season-wise list of IPL Most Expensive Players from 2008 to 2026.
2008 – MS Dhoni (₹9.50 Crore)
MS Dhoni became the most expensive player in the first IPL season when Chennai Super Kings signed him for ₹9.50 Crore. It was a major moment in the 2008 auction.
CSK trusted his leadership and finishing ability. Dhoni proved the investment right by leading CSK to multiple IPL Trophy Winners titles and building a strong legacy.
2009 – Kevin Pietersen & Andrew Flintoff (₹9.80 Crore)
Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff became the most expensive players in the 2009 auction with equal bids of ₹9.80 Crore. They generated huge excitement worldwide.
Royal Challengers Bangalore signed Pietersen while Chennai Super Kings picked Flintoff. Their performances that season did not fully match the expectations.
2010 – Shane Bond & Kieron Pollard (₹4.80 Crore)
Shane Bond and Kieron Pollard shared the highest bid in 2010 at ₹4.80 Crore. Both players were known for their strong impact in T20 cricket.
Mumbai Indians benefited greatly from Pollard who later became a key player for the franchise. His long term contribution made the deal successful.
2011 – Gautam Gambhir (₹14.90 Crore)
Gautam Gambhir became the most expensive player in 2011 when Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for ₹14.90 Crore. The franchise trusted his leadership and batting ability.
He later led KKR to two IPL titles and changed the team’s history. His leadership showed that the investment was fully justified.
2012 – Ravindra Jadeja (₹12.80 Crore)
Ravindra Jadeja was signed by Chennai Super Kings for ₹12.80 Crore in 2012. His all round ability made him one of the most valuable players in that auction.
Jadeja soon became an important part of the squad with both bat and ball. His consistent performances justified the amount spent on him.
2013 – Glenn Maxwell (₹6.30 Crore)
Glenn Maxwell became the most expensive player of 2013 when Mumbai Indians signed him for ₹6.30 Crore. His aggressive batting style made him a popular T20 player.
Although he did not make a major impact that season he later became one of the most dangerous batters in the league.
2014 – Yuvraj Singh (₹14 Crore)
Yuvraj Singh became the most expensive player in 2014 when Royal Challengers Bangalore signed him for ₹14 Crore. His experience and reputation led to strong bidding.
Despite high expectations his performance that season remained average. This showed the pressure that comes with a record price.
2015 – Yuvraj Singh (₹16 Crore)
Yuvraj Singh again became the most expensive player in 2015 when Delhi Daredevils signed him for ₹16 Crore. His reputation as a senior Indian star created huge interest.
However he struggled to deliver consistent performances during the season. The year highlighted how difficult it is to justify a high price.
2016 – Shane Watson (₹9.50 Crore)
Shane Watson became the highest priced player in 2016 when Royal Challengers Bangalore signed him for ₹9.50 Crore. He was a leading all rounder in world cricket.
Watson played important innings and helped RCB reach the final. His experience added strength and balance to the team.
2017 – Ben Stokes (₹14.50 Crore)
Ben Stokes became the most expensive player in 2017 when Rising Pune Supergiant signed him for ₹14.50 Crore. His all round ability made him one of the top targets.
Stokes delivered strong performances including a match winning century. His contribution proved valuable for the franchise.
2018 – Ben Stokes (₹12.50 Crore)
Ben Stokes again featured among the most expensive players in 2018 when Rajasthan Royals signed him for ₹12.50 Crore. His all round skills made him highly demanded.
Injuries affected parts of his season but he remained a key figure in the squad. His presence brought balance to the team.
2019 – Jaydev Unadkat & Varun Chakravarthy (₹8.40 Crore)
Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Chakravarthy shared the highest bid in 2019 at ₹8.40 Crore. Both were promising Indian bowlers with strong domestic records.
Their performances during the season were mixed and did not fully meet expectations. This created discussion about high spending on bowlers.
2020 – Pat Cummins (₹15.50 Crore)
Pat Cummins became the most expensive player in 2020 when Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for ₹15.50 Crore. He was one of the leading fast bowlers in international cricket.
Cummins contributed with both bat and ball and strengthened the bowling attack. His presence added stability to the squad.
2021 – Chris Morris (₹16.25 Crore)
Chris Morris became the most expensive player in 2021 when Rajasthan Royals signed him for ₹16.25 Crore. The deal was one of the biggest that season.
Although he showed flashes of brilliance injuries limited his overall impact. His season did not fully match expectations.
2022 – Ishan Kishan (₹15.25 Crore)
Ishan Kishan became the most expensive player in 2022 when Mumbai Indians signed him for ₹15.25 Crore. He was seen as one of the brightest young wicketkeepers in India.
The franchise viewed him as a long term investment. His aggressive batting style made him an important member of the squad.
2023 – Sam Curran (₹18.50 Crore)
Sam Curran became the most expensive player in 2023 when Punjab Kings signed him for ₹18.50 Crore. His all round ability made him extremely valuable in T20 cricket.
Curran’s performance with both bat and ball gave balance to the team. His signing also showed how franchises were ready to invest heavily in proven match winners.
2024 – Mitchell Starc (₹24.75 Crore)
Mitchell Starc became the highest priced player in 2024 when Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for ₹24.75 Crore. The deal became one of the biggest in IPL history.
The franchise expected him to lead the bowling attack with strong performances. His signing showed the growing demand for elite fast bowlers.
2025 – Rishabh Pant (₹27 Crore)
Rishabh Pant became the IPL most expensive player in 2025 when Lucknow Super Giants signed him for ₹27 Crore. The deal placed him among the IPL Most Expensive Players and set a new record.
Pant’s aggressive batting and leadership qualities made him central to the franchise’s plans. The investment highlighted the rising value of Indian stars.
2026 – Cameron Green (₹25.20 Crore)
Cameron Green became the most expensive player in 2026 when Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for ₹25.20 Crore. He was the top IPL Auction Player of that season.
The franchise believed he could provide balance with both bat and ball. His signing continued the steady rise in auction prices.
Conclusion
The journey of IPL Most Expensive Players from 2008 to 2026 shows how the league has evolved. With rising Indian premier league revenue, auction prices have grown from MS Dhoni’s ₹9.50 crore deal to Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 crore contract.
Becoming the IPL costliest player brings both fame and pressure. Some players delivered match-winning performances while others struggled to justify their price tag.
One thing is certain every season fans eagerly wait to see who becomes the next highest bid player in IPL. As the league expands and revenue increases the IPL highest price player record may be broken again in future auctions.
