Most Expensive Buys of 2026 IPL Auction

Auction Masterclass

The 2026 IPL mini-auction will be remembered for years, given the kind of interesting deals that took fruition as well as the records that were shattered. Australian all-rounder Cameron Green broke the bank to become the most expensive overseas player, while Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer became the most expensive uncapped players.

Jason Holder - GT (7 crores)

Jason Holder was acquired by Gujarat Titans for INR 7 crores in the 2026 IPL mini-auction, marking his return to the league after being unsold in the previous two seasons. A veteran pace-bowling all-rounder who provides both death-overs control and lower-order firepower, Holder attracted an intense bidding war between GT and CSK.

Ravi Bishnoi - RR (7.2 crores)

Ravi Bishnoi was signed by Rajasthan Royals for INR 7.20 crores in the 2026 mini-auction, marking a sentimental homecoming for the Jodhpur-born leg-spinner. RR secured him to lead their spin attack alongside Ravindra Jadeja, despite Bishnoi having struggled last season, having only taken nine wickets in 11 matches.

Aquib Nabi - DC (8.4 crores)

One of the breakout stars of the 2025-26 domestic cricketing season, Jammu and Kashmir-born all-rounder Aquib Nabi was signed by Delhi Capitals for a staggering INR 8.40 crores in the 2026 mini-auction. He had finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy with 44 wickets at a remarkable average of 13.93.

Josh Inglis - LSG (8.6 crores)

Lucknow Super Giants surprised fans by spending a whopping INR 8.6 crores on acquiring Australian wicket-keeper Josh Inglis' services, despite the player confirming that he would only be available for four matches in the 2026 IPL season. He had scored 278 runs at an impressive strike rate of 162.57 for PBKS, in the 2025 season.

Mustafizur Rahman - KKR (9.2 crores)

Mustafizur Rahman was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.20 crores during the 2026 IPL mini-auction, setting a new record as the most expensive Bangladeshi player in the league's history. The veteran left-arm pacer has been acquired to bolster KKR's death-bowling, following a high-stakes bidding war against Chennai.

Liam Livingstone - SRH (13 crores)

Liam Livingstone was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 13 crores in the 2026 mini-auction after a dramatic bidding war in the accelerated round. Despite a dip in his IPL 2025 form, teams valued his rare ability to clear any boundary with ease and his tactical flexibility as a bowler who can adapt to both left and right-handed batters.

Kartik Sharma - CSK (14.2 crores)

19-year-old Kartik Sharma became the joint most expensive uncapped player in IPL history when Chennai Super Kings bought him for INR 14.2 crores, in the 2026 auction. The massive price tag was driven by his rare profile as an explosive wicketkeeper-batter with a strike rate of 164, as well as a reputation for hitting massive sixes.

Prashant Veer - CSK (14.2 crores)

Prashant Veer was signed by Chennai Super Kings for INR 14.20 crores during the 2026 IPL mini-auction, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in the league's history. The 20-year-old Uttar Pradesh all-rounder was the target of a bidding war primarily between CSK and SRH, until the Men in Yellow scalped him.

Matheesha Pathirana - KKR (18 crores)

Matheesha Pathirana was secured by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 18 crores in the 2026 IPL mini-auction, making him the most expensive Sri Lankan player in the league's history. Kollata's mentor, Dwayne Bravo, who worked closely with the Sri Lankabn 'Slinger' at Chennai Super Kings, was reportedly a primary driver behind the signing.

Cameron Green - KKR (25.2 crores)

Cameron Green made history at the 2026 IPL mini-auction when Kolkata Knight Riders secured him for a staggering INR 25.20 crores, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. He holds a rare T20 profile with a career strike rate of over 150 and an average above 33, including a memorable IPL century for MI in 2023.