IPL 2026: Top three most expensive players at auction

The IPL 2026 auction witnessed several high-profile signings, with franchises breaking the bank for proven international stars and emerging Indian talent. While over 350 players went under the hammer, a few made headlines thanks to the jaw-dropping sums of money they pocketed.

Let us take a look at the three most expensive buys from the IPL 2026 mini-auction:

1. Cameron Green

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was primed to have a big payday, and the expectation materialised in Abu Dhabi as he emerged as the most expensive buy, snapped by three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a whopping INR 25.20 crore. The bidding kick-started by Green’s former franchise, Mumbai Indians (MI), and the franchises raised their paddles over 50 times in an intense bidding war before KKR made the winning bid.

Green, who has previously been with MI and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is known for his diverse skillset as he could not only contribute with the bat at the top of the order but also add value with his seam-ups, lending much-needed balance to KKR’s lineup in the aftermath of Andre Russell’s retirement.

2. Matheesha Pathirana  

Sri Lankan slingy pacer Matheesha Pathirana was the second-most expensive buy on the day, acquired by KKR for INR 18 crore after being released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the auction. With his ability to dart yorkers at will and vary his pace with minimal change in his bowling action, Pathirana will add significantly to KKR’s death-bowling stocks.

The emerging pacer spent four seasons with CSK and claimed over 40 wickets in the span, establishing himself as a crucial cog in the five-time winners’ bowling attack. Pathirana has the potential to spearhead KKR’s bowling unit and build a new identity in IPL 2026.

3. Prashant Veer 

Uncapped Indian all-rounder Prashant Veer was snapped by Chennai Super Kings for INR 14.20 crore, becoming the third-most expensive signing at the IPL 2026 auction. The record bid also made him one of the most expensive uncapped players in IPL auction history. Veer’s claim to fame was his performance for the Noida Super Kings at Uttar Pradesh T20 League. 

A left-arm spinner who bats in the middle order, Veer is being viewed as Ravindra Jadeja’s replacement. He has played 12 T20 matches, scoring 112 runs at a strike rate of 167.16. He has also taken 12 wickets in nine innings at an impressive economy rate of 6.45. Apart from CSK, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) expressed interest in securing his services. However, CSK did not relent and eventually secured the emerging talent in the squad.