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.

By Adreej Kumar Mitra

Updated - 26 Nov 2025, 12:08 IST

12 Min Read

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.

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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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