Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Australia all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for ₹25.2 crore (£2.1m) at the 2026 auction. His signing followed a tough bidding battle with Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.
Green’s price beat KKR’s previous record of ₹24.75 crore for Mitchell Starc in 2024. He is now the third most expensive player ever in the IPL, after India’s Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore) and Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore) in 2025.
The 26-year-old has played for Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He scored 707 runs at a strike-rate over 150 and took 16 wickets in 29 IPL matches. Although listed as a capped batter, he will play as an all-rounder, a role he is performing for Australia in the ongoing Ashes series.
England opener Ben Duckett will make his IPL debut after being bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore (£167,000). Other big overseas signings include Liam Livingstone for ₹13 crore (£1.085m) by Sunrisers Hyderabad, Tom Banton and Luke Wood joining Gujarat Titans, and Matheesha Pathirana signing for ₹18 crore (£1.5m) with KKR.
Chennai Super Kings also signed uncapped Indian players Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer for ₹14.2 crore (£1.185m). Several top international stars, including Australia’s Steve Smith, England’s Jonny Bairstow and Jamie Smith, and New Zealand’s Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell, went unsold in the initial rounds.
The IPL 2026 auction once again highlighted the rising value of overseas all-rounders and key Indian talents. Green’s record signing sets the tone for an exciting season ahead.
English
