Most expensive players in IPL history: Rishabh Pant emerged as the headline maker in IPL 2025 mega auction,, becoming the most expensive player in IPL history. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured the star wicketkeeper-batsman for a record-breaking INR 27 crore. Delhi Capitals, his former team, made an aggressive attempt to retain him, even using Right to Match (RTM) card at Rs 20.75 crore, but LSG ultimately outbid them.
The bidding war for Pant was intense, with multiple teams showing interest. The final showdown between LSG and Sunrisers Hyderabad saw Lucknow emerge as the ultimate winners, adding Pant to their squad. Speculation is rife that Pant may take over the captaincy for LSG in IPL 2025.
Shreyas Iyer, former KKR captain, caused a stir at IPL 2025 auction when Punjab Kings made a record-breaking bid of INR 26.75 crore to secure his services. Despite leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title under his captaincy, Iyer was not retained by KKR for the 2025 season. With this massive bid, Iyer becomes one of the highest-paid players in IPL history.
Check below list of top 10 most expensive players in IPL history
1. Rishabh Pant holds the record of being the most expensive player in IPL history with Rs 27 crore bid from Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 auction.
2. At number two is Shreyas Iyer, purchased by Punjab Kings for Rs 26.75 crore in the same auction.
3. Mitchell Starc was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 24.75 crore in 2024
4. Pat Cummins joined Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.50 crore that same year (2024).
5. England's Sam Curran, bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 18.50 crore in 2023, remains fifth most expensive player in IPL history.
6. Arshdeep Singh, who fetched Rs 18 crore from Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Auction is number six in this elite list.
7. Cameron Green's Rs 17.50 crore price tag saw him join Mumbai Indians in 2023.
8. Ben Stokes was bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 16.25 crore in 2023
9. Chris Morris was acquired by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 16.25 crore in 2021.
10. Finally, Yuvraj Singh was purchased by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for Rs 16 crore in 2015.