All-Time IPL Auction Records: Highest Bids, Most Unsold Players and More
As the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 mini-auction nears, it is a great time to look at some of the records that have been set in the previous editions of the event.
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The 10 IPL (Indian Premier League) franchises are gearing up for the all-important mini-auction ahead of next season. After the IPL 2025 mega-auction was held in Saudi Arabia, this time the mini-auction moves to Abu Dhabi as the Etihad Arena will host the event on December 16.
Over the years, some stunning records have been created at the auction and several players have earned lucrative contracts. Many youngsters have also signed massive deals, helping them overcome financial struggles while giving a platform to showcase their potential against the top stars in world cricket.
As the IPL 2026 mini-auction nears, it is a great time to look at some of the records that have been set in the previous editions of the event.
All-Time IPL Auction Records: Highest Bids, Most Unsold Players and More:
Most expensive players (Top 3):
| Sl no. | Player | Contract value (INR) |
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | 27 crore |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | 26.75 crore |
| 3 | Mitchell Starc | 24.75 crore |
Most expensive domestic players (Top 3):
| SL no. | Player | Contract value (INR) |
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | 27 crore |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | 26.75 crore |
| 3 | Venkatesh Iyer | 23.75 crore |
Most expensive overseas players (Top 3):
| Sl no. | Player | Contract value (INR) |
| 1 | Mitchell Starc | 24.75 crore |
| 2 | Pat Cummins | 20.50 crore |
| 3 | Sam Curran | 18.50 crore |
Most expensive uncapped players in IPL (Top 3):
| Sl no. | Player | Contract value (INR) |
| 1 | Avesh Khan | 10 crore |
| 2 | Krishnappa Gowtham | 9.25 crore |
| 3 | Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia | 9 crore |
Most expensive buys in each team's IPL auction history:
| Team | Player | Price (INR) |
| CSK | Ben Stokes | 16.25 crore |
| DC | Yuvraj Singh | 16 crore |
| GT | Jos Buttler | 15.75 crore |
| KKR | Mitchell Starc | 24.75 crore |
| LSG | Rishabh Pant | 27.75 crore |
| MI | Cameron Green | 17.5 crore |
| PBKS | Shreyas Iyer | 26.75 crore |
| RCB | Kyle Jamieson | 15 crore |
| RR | Chris Morris | 16.25 crore |
| SRH | Pat Cummins | 20.5 crore |
Note:
The above table lists only those highest-paid players picked in the auction, excluding those retained, traded, or part of the icon players from the 2008 to 2010.
Meanwhile, the most money spent in a particular edition of the auction was during the IPL 2025 mega-auction. A whopping INR 639.15 crore was spent.
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