As the cricketing world gears up for the grand spectacle of the IPL Auction 2024, anticipation is at an all-time high. With 333 players set to go under the hammer in Dubai on December 19, Tuesday, and 77 slots to be filled across teams, the focus remains on those who will command the highest bids, possibly rewriting the record books.
The auction landscape is replete with surprises, and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of the most expensive signings that will shape the upcoming season. In this article, we will take a look at top 10 players who have been costliest so far.
In the mini-auction preceding this edition, Sam Curran emerged as the priciest player, securing a hefty deal worth Rs 18.50 Crore with the Punjab Kings for the 2023 season. Despite a relatively modest performance in the IPL 2023, where he picked up 10 wickets in 14 games, Curran’s exceptional showing in the 2022 T20 World Cup undoubtedly bolstered his value, making him a sought-after asset.
Cameron Green, with a price tag of Rs 17.50 Crore, became a marquee player for the Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season. His impressive all-round skills and potential to make a significant impact with both bat and ball were evidently valued highly in the auction.
Not far behind is the explosive English all-rounder Ben Stokes, who commanded a formidable price of Rs 16.25 Crore from the Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 auction. Stokes, known for his match-winning abilities, adds firepower to any team he represents and has consistently justified his hefty price tag.
The list further includes Chris Morris, whose Rs 16.25 Crore deal with the Rajasthan Royals in the 2021 auction made headlines. Known for his hard-hitting batting and effective bowling, Morris has been a valuable asset in the T20 circuit.
Nicholas Pooran, the West Indies’ dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, secured a significant deal of Rs 16.00 Crore with the Lucknow Super Giants for the 2023 season, showcasing the demand for explosive T20 talents in the auction.
The legendary Yuvraj Singh, a seasoned campaigner in T20 cricket, still holds a prominent position in the auction history. In 2015, Delhi Daredevils secured his services for a whopping Rs 16 Crore, reflecting the impact and charisma Yuvraj brings to the game.
The Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins, with a price tag of Rs 15.50 Crore, became a vital asset for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2020 auction. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and contribute with the bat added significant value to his auction standing.
Ishan Kishan, the young and dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, earned a notable deal of Rs 15.25 Crore with the Mumbai Indians in the 2022 auction. His explosive batting and impressive glove work behind the stumps made him a prized asset.
Kyle Jamieson, the towering New Zealand all-rounder, secured a deal of Rs 15 Crore with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2021 auction. Known for his ability to swing the ball and contribute with the bat, Jamieson’s acquisition was a strategic move by RCB.
To sum up, here are top 10 most expensive players in IPL history ahead of the 2024 auction:
Top 10 Most Expensive Players in IPL Auction
| Player | Team | Price (In INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Curran | Punjab Kings (2023) | 18.50 Crore |
| Cameron Green | Mumbai Indians (2023) | 17.50 Crore |
| Ben Stokes | Chennai Super Kings (2023) | 16.25 Crore |
| Chris Morris | Rajasthan Royals (2021) | 16.25 Crore |
| Nicholas Pooran | Lucknow Super Giants (2023) | 16.00 Crore |
| Yuvraj Singh | Delhi Daredevils (2015) | 16.00 Crore |
| Pat Cummins | Kolkata Knight Riders (2020) | 15.50 Crore |
| Ishan Kishan | Mumbai Indians (2022) | 15.25 Crore |
| Kyle Jamieson | Royal Challengers Bangalore (2021) | 15.00 Crore |
| Ben Stokes | Rising Pune Supergiant (2017) | 14.50 Crore |
In addition to the top 10, a glance at the historical progression of IPL’s most expensive players reveals the evolving dynamics of the auction. From MS Dhoni’s 9.5 Crore deal with CSK in the inaugural 2008 season to the recent record-breaking Rs 18.5 Crore contract of Sam Curran in 2023, each edition has witnessed iconic players fetching astronomical amounts.
Complete Table of IPL’s Most Expensive Players (Season-wise)
| Year | Players & Teams | Price (In INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | MS Dhoni (CSK) | 9.5 Crore |
| 2009 | Kevin Pietersen (RCB), Andrew Flintoff (CSK) | 9.8 Crore |
| 2010 | Shane Bond (KKR), Kieron Pollard (MI) | 4.8 Crore |
| 2011 | Gautam Gambhir (KKR) | 14.9 Crore |
| 2012 | Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) | 12.8 Crore |
| 2013 | Glenn Maxwell (MI) | 6.3 Crore |
| 2014 | Yuvraj Singh (RCB) | 14 Crore |
| 2015 | Yuvraj Singh (DD) | 16 Crore |
| 2016 | Shane Watson (RCB) | 9.5 Crore |
| 2017 | Ben Stokes (RPS) | 14.5 Crore |
| 2018 | Ben Stokes (RR) | 12.5 Crore |
| 2019 | Jaydev Unadkat (RR), Varun Chakravarthy (KXIP) | 8.4 Crore |
| 2020 | Pat Cummins (KKR) | 15.5 Crore |
| 2021 | Chris Morris (RR) | 16.25 Crore |
| 2022 | Ishan Kishan (MI) | 15.25 Crore |
| 2023 | Sam Curran (PBKS) | 18.5 Crore |
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