When it’s about the glamour of T20, stardom and massive fees go hand in hand. This holds true for the TATA IPL, which has witnessed players being bought at jaw-dropping prices. With IPL being a global spectacle ever since it started, the high fees’ are justified. These players are no normal humans – they are superstars in their fields, some even being tagged as “aliens” (affectionately.)
This leads to inflated player price tags as teams frantically bid for top Cricketing talent.
More than 13 nations have their players featured in the league who are auctioned off yearly for astronomical amounts of money. As a result, bidding becomes quite high for elite participants in this sport – contributing to the high fees being attached to them.
Today, we will explore the most expensive players ever sold in the IPL.
Highest paid players in IPL history
1. Mitchell Starc (INR 24.75 Crore, Kolkata Knight Riders, 2024)
Breaking all records during this year’s auctions by buying Mitchell Starc at an astounding amount of INR 24.75 Crore; KKR made him the highest paid player in IPL history.
This was never done before by any other Cricketer playing for the Indian Premier League ever since its inception. During the same auction, Chennai Super Kings bought Daryll Mitchel for a whopping INR 14 crore, while the Royal Challengers Bangalore purchased Alzarri Joseph at an astronomical sum of INR 11.5 crore.
Over the last couple of years, this southpaw has developed into someone who can cause major damage with his bowling at the death overs; swinging and moving prodigiously, along with possessing deadly yorkers.
He’s good at taking important wickets and breaking partnerships, proving himself an invaluable asset in the T20 format. He also won many matches for his team Australia, making him the highest paid player in IPL history.
Starc is yet to settle down at KKR in the IPL 2024 as he hasn’t been able to take many wickets; KKR now awaits a stellar performance!
2. Pat Cummins (INR 20.5 crore, SRH, 2024)
The Australian Cricket captain in tests is a world-class bowling all-rounder. Pat Cummins also happens to be the second richest player in the Indian Premier League; the Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for INR 20.5 crore at the IPL 2024 auctions.
He bowls with great aggression and his pace can even get bounced out of dead wickets.
A new ball brings out the best in him; it becomes challenging to score off his accurate line and length. This results in an impressive bowler against whom batsmen find it hard to run up scores.
This makes him a strike bowler who takes lots of wickets regularly, alongside helping contribute depth to the batting order by playing attacking shots at the lower end.
Related Read: Highest Wicket Takers in IPL
3. Sam Curran (INR 18.50 Crore, PBKS, 2023)
A lot of funds were spent on England’s young all-rounder, Sam Curran, by the Punjab Kings at the IPL auction 2023.
Curran has every trick up his sleeve – disguised slower balls, changes in pace thrown by tampering with speed, and swing mastering that can leave any batter puzzled to figure out what comes next.
Even so, his calm approach to batting in T20s could count towards improving the team’s performance. When wickets have fallen on the other end, he can stay put and resist; he’s also known to fight back with zest.
Sam is one of the most sought-after players in T20 Cricket. He has displayed nerves of steel and has flexible talents that fit perfectly into tight games.
4. Cameron Green (INR 17.5 crore INR: Mumbai Indians (2023)
To acquire Australian Cricketer Cameron Green at the IPL auction 2023, the Mumbai Indians had to pay an astonishing INR 17.5 crore.
Green is a firm yet menacing right-hand batsman with enormous power who can hit sixes without any trouble.
Moreover, he bowls at medium pace and is a great resource when taking up crucial wickets or controlling the run rate. As such, his powerful hitting combined with his bowling skills has made him one of the players to look out for in the toughest global T20 Cricket leagues.
5. KL Rahul (INR 17 Crore, Lucknow SuperGiants, 2022)
KL Rahul, India’s stylish opening batter across formats was retained by the Lucknow Super Giants at INR 17 crore. KL Rahul is a classic right-hand batter who can play some outstanding shots without appearing like he even tried.
He’s unbeatable on some days, thanks to his exceptional timing and technical ability – making him one wonderful player to watch. He can score several boundaries but also holds an end; how fitting that he’s the captain of the LSG franchise.
6. Virat Kohli (INR 17 Crore, RCB, 2018)
Virat Kohli is the face of Indian Cricket and has been part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since day one. It was only natural that they did not let him go, and in 2018, they retained him with a massive INR 17 Crore every year.
His record in the IPL has been extraordinary; he’s widely recognized as one of the greatest batters that have ever played this game – let alone the Indian Premier League.
The former RCB captain’s contribution to his team can’t be limited to just being a clinical run chaser. Having scored masses of runs for his team, he has earned the title of being an ace.
Besides displaying amazing consistency throughout his career, he has been an amazing leader for his franchise. Essentially, his skills far supersede any other Cricketer playing right now!
7. Chris Morris (INR 16.25 Crore, Rajasthan Royals, 2021)
Morris’ extra bounce off the wicket due to his height adds difficulty to a batter’s judgment, thus forcing them to make a mistake or get out. Morris however usually bats very low down the order and bowls at a good pace. He always comes good under tough conditions; hence his price tag.
8. Ben Stokes (INR 16.25 Crore, CSK, 2023)
Ben Stokes is presently recognized as one of the best cricket all-rounders from England. He was bought by CSK for INR 16.25 crore at IPL auction 2023. Ben is a team player; he can hit and bowl well in clutch situations. Apart from this he is also an incredible fielder especially in T20s.
9. Yuvraj Singh (INR 16 Crore, DD, 2015)
The hard-hitting Yuvi is among destructive hitters across all formats having won many matches single handedly with the white ball. In his prime years, Yuvraj was known for being one of cleanest strikers of cricket ball. Also, let us not forget about him being an amazing left-arm spinner capable of taking wickets.
Also Read: Is IPL Fixed or Real? Know Myths & Reality
10. Ravindra Jadeja (INR 16 Crore, Chennai Super Kings, 2022)
Jadeja has been called India’s premier all-rounder ‘Rockstar’ who has been the backbone of Chennai Super Kings for many years.
IPL 2022 saw CSK retaining him for INR 16 crore which shows how much they value him.
Batters find it hard to score against Ravindra on subcontinent pitches because of his left arm orthodox spin bowling. Chennai loves him because he gives balanced performances coupled with match winning skills and unbelievable fielding abilities.
Conclusion
The Indian Premier League offers world class cricket players a chance to compete for pride and money with lucrative contracts.
It won’t be surprising if pay packages continue rising as this league grows more popular and reputed. When it comes to these million dollar cricketers, they are off-field stars too due to their amazing personalities.
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