Rishabh Pant holds the crown as the highest-paid player in IPL history with a record-breaking Rs 27 crore deal in 2025. Just behind him is Shreyas Iyer, who fetched Rs 26.75 crore in the same auction.
Want the full breakdown and how these massive buys impacted their teams? Keep reading.
Since its first auction, the IPL has been as much about smart spending as cricket. Some players attract jaw-dropping amounts, setting records and making headlines. These purchases are more than financial—they’re strategic bets.
Top 10 Most Expensive Players in IPL History
Here’s a snapshot of the top earners and why they were valued so highly.
1. Ben Stokes – Rs 16.25 Cr (2023, Chennai Super Kings)
Stokes brought grit, flair, and World Cup-winning pedigree.
2. Cameron Green – Rs 17.50 Cr (2023, Mumbai Indians)
A tall Aussie who bowls fast and hits big—MI couldn’t resist.
3. Arshdeep Singh – Rs 18.00 Cr (2024, Punjab Kings)
Young, left-arm quicks are a rare breed. Arshdeep is seen as a future leader of India’s pace attack.
4. Yuzvendra Chahal – Rs 18.00 Cr (2024, Punjab Kings)
An experienced leg-spinner, Chahal’s value in T20 cricket remains unmatched.
5. Sam Curran – Rs 18.50 Cr (2023, Punjab Kings)
Curran had just won the T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament. No wonder teams were interested.
6. Pat Cummins – Rs 20.50 Cr (2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Fast bowlers with leadership qualities are rare. Cummins brought both.
7. Venkatesh Iyer – Rs 23.75 Cr (2024, Kolkata Knight Riders)
As an Indian all-rounder, he ticked multiple boxes. KKR clearly saw long-term value.
8. Mitchell Starc – Rs 24.75 Cr (2024, Kolkata Knight Riders)
After skipping previous seasons, Starc’s return was highly anticipated. KKR went all in to secure a match-winner.
9. Shreyas Iyer – Rs 26.75 Cr (2025, Punjab Kings)
Known for his consistency and calm under pressure, Iyer’s captaincy potential was a huge plus.
10. Rishabh Pant – Rs 27.00 Cr (2025, Lucknow Super Giants)
The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter switched from Delhi to Lucknow. The franchise wanted leadership and explosiveness up top.
“Rishabh brings energy and leadership—exactly what we needed,” said an LSG team official.
Why These Players Went for Big Money
- Skillset fit: These players filled key gaps in their respective squads.
- Fan appeal: Big names boost ticket sales and merchandise.
- Proven impact: Most had recent international or IPL success.
How the Teams Benefited
Some of these buys paid off immediately, while others are long-term bets. For example:
- Curran: Contributed with both bat and ball.
- Pant: Brought in leadership during a rebuild phase.
- Starc: Delivered key performances in crunch matches.
Notable Reactions and Opinions
Fans often debate whether the money spent matches the output. Some common sentiments:
“It’s a gamble. Sometimes it clicks, sometimes it doesn’t.” — cricket fan on Twitter
“At Rs 27 crore, Pant has to win matches single-handedly.” — cricket analyst on CricBuzz
Who Could Be Next?
Emerging stars who might hit the jackpot in the next auction:
- Tilak Varma
- Riyan Parag
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tristan Stubbs
These youngsters are already making a mark and could command big numbers soon.
Conclusion:
High-priced players are always a talking point in the IPL. While not all justify the price tag, the investment often brings more than just numbers—it brings hope, headlines, and sometimes, trophies.
FAQs:
Q: Who is the most expensive player in IPL history?
A: Rishabh Pant, who was bought for Rs 27 crore by Lucknow Super Giants in 2025.
Q: Why are some players so expensive?
A: It’s based on demand, recent form, and how well they fit into the team’s plans.
Q: Are these high bids always worth it?
A: Not always. But when they work, they can be the difference between winning and losing seasons.
Related Read:
The IPL isn’t the only league where teams splash big money on talent. Dive into the world of high-stakes auctions with our look at the most expensive players in PSL, where emerging stars and international icons fetch massive deals in Pakistan’s T20 showcase.