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Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has shattered the record for the most expensive overseas player in Indian Premier League history, commanding a staggering $2.7 million at Tuesday’s IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi.
The Kolkata Knight Riders secured Green’s services after an intense bidding war with Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, slightly surpassing the previous record (in Indian rupees) that Kolkata paid for his Australian teammate Mitchell Starc ahead of the 2024 season.
Green’s record-breaking price tag makes him the third most expensive IPL player of all time, trailing only Indian internationals Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. The 26-year-old, currently representing Australia in the Ashes series against England, will be entering his third IPL season after previous stints with Mumbai Indians and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He missed the 2025 campaign while recovering from back surgery.
“Green’s versatility as a genuine all-rounder made him a prime target for several franchises,” said cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle. “His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, plus his fielding prowess, justifies the investment despite his injury history.”
Kolkata, which entered the auction with the largest remaining purse, continued its aggressive spending by acquiring Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana for approximately $2 million, making him the second most expensive purchase at this year’s event.
The auction, featuring 359 shortlisted players from ten overseas countries plus India, also saw Chennai Super Kings make headlines by breaking the record for uncapped players. The five-time champions splashed approximately $1.5 million each on spinning all-rounder Prashant Veer and wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma, reflecting the franchise’s focus on young Indian talent.
“Chennai’s strategy has always centered around identifying promising domestic players and developing them into stars,” explained former India cricketer Aakash Chopra. “The substantial investment in uncapped players signals their commitment to building for the future.”
Several marquee international players found new homes during the auction. Delhi Capitals secured South Africa’s explosive batsman David Miller and England’s Ben Duckett, bolstering their middle order. West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder joined Gujarat Titans, bringing valuable experience and versatility to the 2022 champions.
Mumbai Indians, the most successful franchise in IPL history with five titles, acquired South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, reuniting him with the team he represented in 2019. De Kock’s previous stint with Mumbai saw him form a formidable opening partnership with Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
Kolkata rounded out their international acquisitions with Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman and New Zealand duo Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, creating one of the most diverse and balanced squads in the competition.
The 2026 IPL season is scheduled to begin in March and run through May, marking the 19th edition of cricket’s most lucrative and popular T20 league. The tournament continues to attract the world’s best players, with franchises investing heavily to build competitive squads.
Industry experts estimate that the IPL’s broadcast and digital rights now exceed $6 billion, underscoring the tournament’s massive commercial appeal and global reach. The league has transformed cricket’s economic landscape since its inception in 2008, creating opportunities for players from around the world to showcase their talents while earning unprecedented salaries.
With the auction concluded, teams will now focus on strategic planning and preparation ahead of the upcoming season, which promises to deliver more of the high-octane cricket that has made the IPL a global sporting phenomenon.
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7 Comments
$2.7 million is a staggering amount for an IPL player. It shows the level of competition and demand for top international talent in this league. Green will have a lot of pressure to deliver on that investment, but his potential is certainly worth the gamble.
The IPL continues to grow in its global appeal, attracting the best cricketers from around the world. Green’s record-breaking price tag is a testament to his rising star status. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the high-intensity IPL environment.
Wow, $2.7 million for an overseas player in the IPL is jaw-dropping. Green must have really impressed the Kolkata franchise with his all-round abilities. It will be intriguing to see if he can justify that hefty price tag with his performances.
The IPL continues to break new ground in terms of player salaries. Green’s record-breaking contract underscores the league’s ability to attract top global talent. It will be interesting to see how he acclimates to the high-pressure IPL environment.
An exciting development in the IPL with Cameron Green becoming the most expensive overseas player ever. His versatility as an all-rounder must be hugely appealing to the Kolkata Knight Riders. Curious to see how he fares in the upcoming season.
Interesting to see such a massive price tag for an overseas player in the IPL. Cameron Green’s all-round skills must be highly valued by the Kolkata Knight Riders. Will be exciting to see how he performs after recovering from his back injury.
The IPL auction is always an exciting event. Green’s massive contract with Kolkata Knight Riders highlights his immense value as a versatile all-rounder. It will be fascinating to watch how he performs and helps the team in their title aspirations.