Cameron Green Sets Record as IPL's Costliest Overseas Player

Post by : Mara Rahim

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has made history as the most expensive overseas player in IPL history, transferring to Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹25.2 crore (£2.1m) at the 2026 auction. The deal concluded after an intense auction skirmish with Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.

Green's acquisition surpasses Kolkata's former record of ₹24.75 crore paid for Mitchell Starc in 2024. He is positioned as the third highest-paid player overall in IPL, following Indian stars Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore) and Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore) from 2025.

At 26, Green has previously represented Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, accumulating 707 runs at a strike-rate exceeding 150 and claiming 16 wickets in 29 IPL appearances. Although he is officially a capped batter, he will fulfil the role of an all-rounder, similar to his contributions for Australia in the ongoing Ashes.

Additionally, England opener Ben Duckett will debut in the IPL after being acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore (£167,000). Other significant overseas moves included Liam Livingstone securing ₹13 crore (£1.085m) with Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Tom Banton and Luke Wood joined Gujarat Titans, and Matheesha Pathirana was signed by KKR for ₹18 crore (£1.5m).

Chennai Super Kings also made notable moves with uncapped Indian players Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, totaling ₹14.2 crore (£1.185m). Notably, several high-profile international players, including Australia's Steve Smith, England's Jonny Bairstow, and New Zealand's Devon Conway, went unsold in the early phases.

The IPL 2026 auction once more underlines the escalating demand for overseas all-rounders as well as valuable Indian players. Green's monumental signing promises an electrifying 2026 season.