In a historic turn of events at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green shattered the record for the most expensive overseas player in Indian Premier League history.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured his services for a staggering ₹25.20 crore (approximately £2.06m or A$4.17m) following an intense bidding war primarily against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals.
This massive deal eclipsed the previous record of ₹24.75 crore set by fellow Australian Mitchell Starc, who was also bought by KKR in 2024. Despite the high bid, new IPL regulations mean Green’s actual salary is capped at ₹18 crore, with the remaining ₹7.20 crore being redirected to the BCCI’s player welfare fund.
The Bidding Drama and KKR’s Strategy
The auction floor turned into a theatre as soon as Green’s name appeared in the opening sets. Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians set the early pace, but the contest eventually narrowed down to a high-stakes shootout between the two most successful franchises:
KKR and CSK. KKR, entering the auction with the largest purse of ₹64.30 crore, was determined to fill the void left by departing all-rounders.
By securing Green, they have gained a versatile “triple-threat” player who can bat anywhere in the top order, bowl at speeds exceeding 140 km/h, and offer elite athleticism in the field.
Comparison with IPL Giants
While Green now holds the title of the most expensive overseas player, he remains the third most expensive player overall in IPL history, trailing only Indian internationals Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore) and Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore), who set their records during the 2025 mega-auction.
His return to the league is particularly notable as he missed the 2025 season to recover from major back surgery.
His arrival at KKR marks a new chapter for the franchise, which also made waves at the same auction by signing Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore, signalling a clear intent to dominate with high-impact international talent.
Green’s move to the three-time champions is expected to make him the centrepiece of their middle order. After a successful previous stint with the Mumbai Indians and RCB, where he averaged 41.6 with a strike rate of over 150, expectations are sky-high for the West Australian as he prepares to join the Knight Riders’ camp for the 2026 season, starting in March.
About the Author
