Who is the Most Expensive Player in IPL History?

In the ever-evolving world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), player auctions have always been a spectacle, with cricketers fetching eye-watering sums. The record for the most expensive player in IPL history has seen frequent updates as franchises continue to compete for top talent.

In 2024, Australian pacer Pat Cummins set the record when he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹20.50 crore. However, just a year later, Mitchell Starc broke that record in the 2024 auction, fetching an incredible ₹24.75 crore.

Yet, the bidding frenzy didn't end there. In the IPL 2025 auction, India's Rishabh Pant stunned everyone by becoming the highest-priced player ever, commanding a jaw-dropping ₹27 crore.

This remarkable rise in auction prices reflects the growing importance of top-tier players and the fierce competition among franchises to secure the best talent for the high-stakes IPL seasons.

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The most expensive player in IPL 2025

The IPL 2025 auction saw Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive player, with Lucknow Super Giants securing him for a whopping ₹27 crore. Pant’s immense talent and explosive batting abilities made him a sought-after asset for the team.

Following him in the list of high-priced players is Shreyas Iyer, who was bought by the Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore, further showcasing the fierce competition for top players.

The 2024 IPL auctions saw Mitchell Starc being sold for ₹24.75 crore to Kolkata Knight Riders, while Pat Cummins went for ₹20.50 crore to Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking the growing trend of hefty bids.

 Through this article, we take a look at the list of the most expensive players who were auctioned during the bidding war in IPL history, the 2025 auction, and individual IPL seasons.

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Most Expensive Player in All-Time IPL History

Year-Wise Most Expensive Players in IPL

This was the list of the most expensive players in IPL history and the 2024 season. Overseas players, especially all-rounders and heavy hitters, are known to grab high auction prices. However, Indian players aren't much behind either. Yuvraj Singh, a legend of the game who was known for his finishing power, fielding and bowling, fetched the top price as early as 2014.

MS Dhoni was the most expensive player in the debut IPL season in 2008. Many up-and-coming players from the domestic cricket background have also been bought for high prices and performed well. Hopefully, the IPL will continue to provide a setting stage for youngsters.

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