Cameron Green Sets Record as IPL's Costliest Overseas Player

The Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has made headlines by becoming the most costly overseas player in IPL history. Kolkata Knight Riders secured his services for ₹25.2 crore (£2.1m) during the 2026 auction after a vigorous bidding competition with both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.

This astounding fee surpasses KKR's prior record of ₹24.75 crore for Mitchell Starc back in 2024. Green now ranks as the third most expensive player in IPL history, trailing only India's Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore) and Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore) from 2025.

At 26 years old, Green's experience includes stints with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he amassed 707 runs at a strike-rate over 150 and took 16 wickets across 29 IPL matches. Although registered primarily as a capped batsman, he is expected to play as an all-rounder, the same role he's filled for Australia in the ongoing Ashes series.

In other signings, England's Ben Duckett will debut in the IPL after being acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore (£167,000). Standout international recruitments include Liam Livingstone for ₹13 crore (£1.085m) by Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore (£1.5m) with KKR.

Chennai Super Kings added uncapped Indian talents Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer for ₹14.2 crore (£1.185m). Meanwhile, notable players like Australia’s Steve Smith and England’s Jonny Bairstow remained unsold during the first rounds.

The IPL 2026 auction underscored the growing significance of overseas all-rounders and elite Indian players, setting an electrifying stage for the upcoming season.