Abu Dhabi, (UNI) Australia allrounder Cameron Green rewrote the record books at the IPL 2026 mini-auction here on Tuesday, becoming the costliest overseas player in the history of the Indian Premier League after being snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering Rs 25.20 crore.
Green’s signing came after an intense and prolonged bidding war, primarily between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, with Rajasthan Royals briefly entering the contest before pulling out as prices surged rapidly. The Shah Rukh Khan-owned KKR eventually had the final word, surpassing the previous overseas record of Rs 24.75 crore set by fellow Australia Mitchell Starc in the 2024 auction.
The 26-year-old allrounder’s price tag also marked a world-record bid for any overseas player in franchise-based T20 cricket, underlining his growing stature as one of the most valuable multi-dimensional cricketers in the game. Green’s ability to contribute at the top order, provide pace-bowling options, and offer athleticism in the field made him the most sought-after name of the auction.
The bidding for Green began modestly at his base price before escalating sharply as multiple franchises assessed him as a long-term investment rather than just a single-season acquisition. As the figure crossed Rs 20 crore, the auction hall erupted in applause, with franchise officials and spectators witnessing yet another landmark moment in IPL history.
For Kolkata Knight Riders, the acquisition of Green was a statement of intent after entering the auction with the largest purse among the teams. The three-time champions had identified the Australian as a central figure around whom their 2026 campaign could be built, pairing him with an already formidable core that includes high-impact overseas pacers and emerging Indian talent.
Green’s record bid headlined an auction that saw franchises willing to push financial boundaries for players capable of delivering sustained impact across formats. While several established international stars went unsold or fetched base prices, Green’s valuation reflected the premium placed on versatility and long-term value in the evolving IPL ecosystem.
The Australian allrounder now carries significant expectations as he prepares to don the purple and gold jersey, with KKR banking on his match-winning abilities to tilt close contests and provide balance across departments.
With Cameron Green’s historic deal setting the tone, the IPL 2026 auction reaffirmed the league’s status as the most lucrative and competitive T20 marketplace in world cricket.
