10 Most Expensive Overseas Buys in IPL History
IPL's Big Money Buys
Several overseas players have earned big in the Indian Premier League over the years, with Cameron Green being on top, after being occupied by Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2026 IPL auction for INR 25.20 crores. Apart from him, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Nicholas Pooran are the others on this elite list.
Kyle Jamieson - RCB (INR 15 crores)
The 10th spot in this elite list is occupied by New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson, who was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a whopping INR 15 crores in the 2021 IPL Auction. This huge sum, driven by his ability to generate bounce and be handy with the bat, made him one of the most expensive overseas players at the time.
Pat Cummins - KKR (INR 15.50 crores)
Australian pacer Pat Cummins was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a then-record INR 15.50 crores in the 2020 auction. His 2020 IPL season was a mixed one, where he took 12 wickets but was often expensive in bowling, but showcased his batting potential by scoring 146 runs, including a remarkable 33 off 12 balls in a match.
Nicholas Pooran - LSG (INR 16 crores)
Caribbean big-hitter Nicholas Pooran was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for a massive INR 16 crores in the 2023 auction, primarily for his ability to finish games. In the 2023 season, Pooran largely delivered, scoring 358 runs in 15 matches at an exceptional strike rate of 172.95, including an electrifying 19-ball half-century.
Ben Stokes - CSK (INR 16.25 crores)
One of the finest all-rounders of the 21st century, Englishman Ben Stokes was purchased by Chennai Super Kings for a franchise-record fee of INR 16.25 crores in the 2023 auction. A seasoned match-winner, Stokes could however, only feature in just two matches throughout the 2023 season, though CSK still went on to win the title.
Chris Morris - RR (INR 16.25 crores)
Ex-South African all-rounder Chris Morris was bought by Rajasthan Royals for INR 16.25 crores in the 2021 auction, driven by the intense demand for a world-class fast-bowling all-rounder at the time. Morris had a decent 2021 IPL season, but failed to fully justify the price tag, despite finishing as RR's highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets.
Cameron Green - MI (INR 17.50 crores)
Cameron Green was acquired by Mumbai Indians for a staggering INR 17.50 crores in the 2023 auction, then seen as an ideal long-term replacement for Kieron Pollard. In his debut 2023 season, Green had a strong impact, scoring 452 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 50.22, while also chipping in with six wickets.
Sam Curran - PBKS (INR 18.50 crores)
England all-rounder Sam Curran was signed by Punjab Kings for a massive INR 18.50 crores in the 2023 auction, making him the most expensive player in IPL history at the time. His performance throughout the season was mixed, as he scored 276 runs and took 10 wickets in 14 matches, failing to fulfill the initial expectations.
Pat Cummins - SRH (INR 20.25 crores)
Appearing second time on this elite list, Aussie star Pat Cummins was secured by Sunrisers Hyderabad for an enormous INR 20.25 crores in the 2024 auction, making him the first player to breach the 20-crore mark. It was driven by his extraordinary leadership value, having captained Australia to both the WTC and the ODI World Cup titles.
Mitchell Starc - KKR (INR 24.75 crores)
Another Australian player to occupy a spot on this list, Mitchell Starc was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a record INR 24.75 crores in the 2024 auction. Struggling throughout the league stages, he proved his worth by delivering stellar performances in Qualifier 1 and the final, ultimately helping KKR secure their third IPL title.
Cameron Green - KKR (INR 25.20 crores)
Cameron Green surpassed Mitchell Starc's 2024 IPL auction record, after being acquired by the same franchise for a INR 25.20 crores in the 2026 mini-auction, making him the most expensive overseas player in history. An Australian fast-bowling all-rounder, Green can pace above 140 km/h and bat aggressively anywhere in the order.
