IPL Auction: Australia All-Rounder Cameron Green Sold for Record ₹252 Million

IPL Auction 2026: Cameron Green Becomes Most Expensive Overseas Player in History

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green has made history at the IPL 2026 auction, becoming the most expensive overseas player ever bought in the Indian Premier League after being sold for a record 252 million rupees on Tuesday.

Green’s name appeared in the first set of players at the auction held in Abu Dhabi, immediately sparking an intense bidding war. Former champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) eventually secured the Australian star for the upcoming IPL season.

Record Bid Breaks Previous IPL Auction High

The massive bid for Green broke the previous record for an overseas player, which was 247.5 million rupees paid by KKR for Mitchell Starc at the 2024 IPL auction.

However, currency changes played a role in comparing the deals. With the Indian rupee falling to a record low of over 90 against the US dollar this month, Starc’s contract was still worth more in dollar terms at the time.

Cameron Green: $2.77 million

Mitchell Starc (2024): $2.98 million

New IPL Salary Cap Rule Explained

Despite the huge auction price, Green will personally receive 180 million rupees ($1.98 million) due to the IPL’s new “maximum fee” rule. The remaining amount from the auction fee will go to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Among the Most Expensive IPL Players Ever

With this deal, Green becomes the third most expensive player in IPL history, behind:

Rishabh Pant – 270 million rupees

Shreyas Iyer – 267.5 million rupees

Cameron Green’s IPL Record and Current Form

The 26-year-old Australian has played 29 IPL matches, scoring 707 runs for Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Green missed the 2025 IPL season due to a back injury but has since returned to action and is currently playing in the Ashes series against England.

Surprises at the IPL Auction

The auction also delivered some surprises. Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk and England all-rounder Liam Livingstone went unsold, though their names could return later if franchises look to fill remaining spots.

IPL’s Growing Business Power

The Indian Premier League continues to grow as one of the world’s most valuable sports leagues. According to US investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the IPL’s business value is estimated at $18.5 billion.