The Most Expensive IPL Players: A Journey Through the Years
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a hotbed of talent, with franchises vying for the best players in the world. Over the years, the auction process has seen some jaw-dropping bids, with players fetching record-breaking sums. Today, as the IPL 2025 Mega Auction unfolds in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, we take a look back at the most expensive players sold since the inception of the league.
The Early Years: Setting the Stage
When the IPL first began in 2008, it was a novel concept that quickly captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. The inaugural auction saw some big names being signed, but none quite reached the astronomical figures we see today. However, it set the stage for what was to come.
The Rise of the Big Bids
As the league grew in popularity, so did the stakes. By the mid-2010s, the IPL auctions were becoming more competitive, with franchises willing to spend big to secure top talent. The first major milestone was reached in 2011 when Yuvraj Singh was sold to the Delhi Daredevils for ₹16 crore, making him the most expensive player at the time.
The Era of Mitchell Starc
The 2024 auction saw Mitchell Starc become the most expensive player in IPL history, with the Kolkata Knight Riders shelling out ₹24.75 crore to bring the Australian pacer back to the league. Starc’s return was a game-changer, and his presence on the field was eagerly anticipated by fans.
Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant: Breaking Records
The 2025 Mega Auction has been nothing short of spectacular. Shreyas Iyer became the most expensive player in IPL history when he was signed by the Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore. However, this record was short-lived as Rishabh Pant was snapped up by the Lucknow Super Giants for an unprecedented ₹27 crore just minutes later.
The Current Landscape
As the auction continues, the excitement is palpable. With teams like Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants leading the charge, it’s clear that the IPL is only getting more competitive. The 2025 season promises to be one of the most thrilling yet, with these star players taking the field.
Table of Most Expensive IPL Players
| Player | Team | Price (in Crores) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹27.00 | 2025 |
| Shreyas Iyer | Punjab Kings | ₹26.75 | 2025 |
| Mitchell Starc | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹24.75 | 2024 |
| Pat Cummins | Sunrisers Hyderabad | ₹20.50 | 2024 |
| Sam Curran | Punjab Kings | ₹18.50 | 2023 |
| Arshdeep Singh | Punjab Kings | ₹18.00 | 2025 |
| Cameron Green | Mumbai Indians | ₹17.50 | 2023 |
| Ben Stokes | Chennai Super Kings | ₹16.25 | 2023 |
| Chris Morris | Rajasthan Royals | ₹16.25 | 2021 |
| Yuvraj Singh | Delhi Daredevils | ₹16.00 | 2015 |
The IPL continues to evolve, and with each auction, new records are set. The 2025 Mega Auction has certainly raised the bar, and fans can’t wait to see how these star players perform on the field.