The Indian Premier League 2026 auction marked a historic moment as Kolkata Knight Riders dominated the opening session, securing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a record overseas price.
Green featured in the first set of players at the auction in Abu Dhabi. His entry sparked an intense bidding war before Kolkata Knight Riders secured his services for the 2026 season. The signing instantly became the headline moment of the auction.
The fee eclipsed the previous overseas record of INR 247.5 million, which Kolkata paid for Mitchell Starc at the 2024 auction. However, currency fluctuations have reshaped the comparison. With the Indian rupee falling to a record low of over 90 against the US dollar this month, Starc’s deal was valued in higher US dollars at the time.
#Crickit | The chart summarises each franchise’s highest outlay so far, highlighting both spend intensity and bidding pressure. KKR’s top buy (Cameron Green, ₹25.2cr) is a clear outlier and also the longest bidding war, signalling aggressive top-end allocation. CSK’s leading… pic.twitter.com/fbd3SRPBJb
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) December 16, 2025Green was bought for the equivalent of $2.77 million, while Starc’s 2024 signing stood at approximately $2.98 million. Despite the headline figure, Green’s personal earnings remain capped at INR 180 million, or $1.98 million, under the IPL’s newly introduced maximum fee rule. The remaining amount goes to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The 26-year-old now ranks as the third most expensive player in IPL history. Only India’s Rishabh Pant, sold for INR 270 million, and Shreyas Iyer, who fetched INR 267.5 million, sit above him.
Green brings proven IPL experience. He has scored 707 runs in 29 matches across stints with the Mumbai Indians and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He missed the 2025 season due to a back injury but is currently active in the Ashes series against England.
After an intense bidding battle with CSK, KKR finally land Cameron Green for ₹25.20 Cr at the #IPL2026 Auction 💜🔥
📸: Jio Hotstar pic.twitter.com/cz1QAsoKE1
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) December 16, 2025The auction also delivered a few surprises. Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk and England all-rounder Liam Livingstone went unsold in the initial rounds. Their names may return later if franchises reassess their squad requirements.
Beyond individual deals, the auction once again underlined the league’s growing commercial strength. According to US investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the IPL’s business value is estimated at $18.5 billion.
