Most Expensive Players in the IPL 2026 Auction: Big Money Bids & Top Signings
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction was full of excitement, high stakes, and jaw‑dropping bids as franchises competed fiercely to secure top talent. From established international stars to breakout uncapped Indian players, the 2026 auction saw some of the biggest spending in recent history — making it one of the most talked‑about events ahead of the season.
Let’s take a deep dive into the most expensive players from the IPL 2026 auction, how much they were bought for, and what these big investments could mean for their teams this season.
1. Cameron Green – ₹25.20 Crore (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Australian all‑rounder Cameron Green emerged as the most expensive buy at the IPL 2026 auction, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) splashing a massive ₹25.20 crore to secure his services. Green’s all‑round skills — powerful hitting and seam bowling — made him one of the hottest prospects in the auction pool. auction saw some of the biggest spending in recent history — making it one of the most talked‑about events ahead of the season.
This bid not only placed him at the top of the spending chart for 2026 but also made him one of the most expensive players in league history. It signals KKR’s intent to strengthen both batting and bowling depth as they chase another title.
2. Matheesha Pathirana – ₹18 Crore (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Right behind Green, Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana was another major buy for KKR, going for ₹18 crore. Known for his deceptive pace and yorker accuracy, Pathirana adds firepower to the KKR bowling lineup.
His high price reflects both his international promise and value as a high‑impact bowler in T20 formats.
3. Prashant Veer – ₹14.20 Crore (Chennai Super Kings)
One of the standout stories of the auction was Prashant Veer, an uncapped Indian all‑rounder snapped up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹14.20 crore. Starting from a base price of just ₹30 lakh, Veer’s massive bid underscores how IPL teams are now willing to invest big in promising domestic talent.
Veer’s versatility with both bat and ball makes him a valuable pick, especially in the dynamic T20 format.
4. Kartik Sharma – ₹14.20 Crore (Chennai Super Kings)
Another uncapped player who stole headlines was Kartik Sharma, also bought by CSK for ₹14.20 crore — the same record‑setting price as Veer. Sharma, a talented wicketkeeper‑batter, became one of the most expensive uncapped Indian players ever.
His dual skills behind the stumps and with the bat make him a long‑term asset for CSK.
5. Liam Livingstone – ₹13 Crore (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
English all‑rounder Liam Livingstone also commanded big money in the auction, fetching ₹13 crore when Sunrisers Hyderabad entered into a bidding battle to secure him. �LiveMint reports that Livingstone triggered intense interest after initially going unsold before finally being snapped up by SRH.
Known for his explosive batting and useful spin options, Livingstone adds a powerful all‑round dimension to his team.
Other Notable High‑Value Buys
Here are some other players who made the list of high paid signings in the 2026 auction:
- Mustafizur Rahman – ₹9.20 crore (KKR)
- Josh Inglis – ₹8.60 crore (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Auqib Dar – ₹8.40 crore (Delhi Capitals)
- Ravi Bishnoi – ₹7.20 crore (Rajasthan Royals)
- Jason Holder – ₹7 crore (Gujarat Titans)
Each of these players brings a unique skill set, whether it’s fast bowling, finishing ability, or spin prowess — all critical in the T20 format.
What These Big Bids Mean for IPL 2026
The IPL 2026 auction highlighted several trends shaping the modern league:
Teams Willing to Invest Heavily
Franchises showed no hesitation in splurging on both international stars and up‑and‑coming Indian talent, reflecting the league’s increasing competitiveness.
Big Money for Uncapped Players
Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma’s record bids prove that franchises are ready to bet big on domestic players with potential — a shift from previous auctions.
Strategic Squad Building
Big buys like Green and Pathirana show that teams are building deep, balanced squads capable of performing under pressure throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
The IPL 2026 auction delivered unforgettable moments and record‑breaking deals that cricket fans will talk about for years. With a blend of international superstars and rising Indian talent commanding big prices, the upcoming IPL season promises high drama both on and off the field.
As the action moves from the auction block to the pitch, all eyes will be on these top earners to justify their hefty price tags with match‑winning performances.
