Top 10 Highest-paid players,The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been synonymous with high-octane cricket and jaw-dropping player auctions. The 2025 IPL mega auction, held at the Abady Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, witnessed record-breaking bids, making it one of the most exciting events in IPL history.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer have now become the most expensive players in IPL history, surpassing previous records set by international stars. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the highest-paid cricketers in IPL history and the significance of their signings.
Most Expensive Players in IPL History
The IPL 2025 auction saw some of the biggest-ever contracts, with Lucknow Super Giants securing Rishabh Pant for a whopping ₹27 crore, making him the costliest player in IPL history. Punjab Kings followed closely by acquiring Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Players in IPL History
| Rank | Player | Price (₹ Crore) | Team | Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | 27.00 | Lucknow Super Giants | IPL 2025 |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | 26.75 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2025 |
| 3 | Mitchell Starc | 24.75 | Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL 2024 |
| 4 | Venkatesh Iyer | 23.75 | Kolkata Knight Riders | IPL 2025 |
| 5 | Pat Cummins | 20.50 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | IPL 2024 |
| 6 | Sam Curran | 18.50 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2023 |
| 7 | Arshdeep Singh | 18.00 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2025 |
| 8 | Yuzvendra Chahal | 18.00 | Punjab Kings | IPL 2025 |
| 9 | Cameron Green | 17.50 | Mumbai Indians | IPL 2023 |
| 10 | Ben Stokes | 16.25 | Chennai Super Kings | IPL 2023 |
IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Breaking Records
The 2025 mega auction was filled with surprises as teams went all out to secure top talent. Some of the most notable moments from the auction included:
- Lucknow Super Giants’ Record-Breaking Bid: After Delhi Capitals released Rishabh Pant, LSG made history by signing him for ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
- Punjab Kings’ Big Buys: With a massive purse of ₹110.5 crore, Punjab Kings retained Arshdeep Singh for ₹18 crore and also secured Yuzvendra Chahal for the same amount.
- KKR’s Bold Move: After acquiring Mitchell Starc for ₹24.75 crore in 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders doubled down in 2025 by adding Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 crore.
Historical High Bids in IPL Auctions
Over the years, the IPL has seen several record-breaking purchases. Some of the most significant ones include:
- Yuvraj Singh (2015): Held the record for the most expensive Indian player when Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) bought him for ₹16 crore.
- MS Dhoni (2008): Set the trend of high-value signings when CSK acquired him for $1.5 million.
- Gautam Gambhir (2011): Became the most expensive player at the time with a ₹14.9 crore bid by KKR.
Impact of High Bids on Team Strategies
The high price tags of these players significantly impact team strategies. Teams that invest heavily in star players often need to make trade-offs in other areas, balancing their squads with young talent and budget-friendly signings.
For example, Lucknow Super Giants’ acquisition of Rishabh Pant means they had to adjust their budget for other players, while Punjab Kings’ dual investment in Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh showcases their aggressive approach to building a strong core team.
Additionally, teams like KKR, which have spent heavily on players like Mitchell Starc and Venkatesh Iyer, are relying on a mix of international experience and domestic potential to strengthen their squad.
watch full list of squads of IPL 2025 at IPL T20
Players with Multiple Record-Breaking Bids
Some cricketers have consistently been among the highest-paid in different IPL seasons. Notable examples include:
Ben Stokes:
- ₹14.5 crore (Rising Pune Supergiant, 2017)
- ₹12.5 crore (Rajasthan Royals, 2018)
- ₹16.25 crore (Chennai Super Kings, 2023)
Yuvraj Singh:
- ₹14 crore (Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2014)
- ₹16 crore (Delhi Daredevils, 2015)
These signings indicate how certain players have consistently retained their value across multiple seasons, thanks to their performance and impact on the field.
Future Trends in IPL Auctions
Looking ahead, the trend of record-breaking bids is expected to continue, especially as new franchises and increased viewership contribute to the league’s financial strength.
- Rising Salaries: As IPL continues to grow in popularity, player salaries are likely to increase, with young emerging talents commanding high bids.
- More International Stars: The success of players like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins highlights the continued importance of international cricketers in IPL squads.
- Franchise Strategies: Teams will likely focus more on long-term investments, retaining key players rather than frequent squad overhauls.
The IPL 2025 mega auction has once again proven that the league is one of the most lucrative cricket tournaments globally. With franchises investing heavily in top-tier talent, the competition is set to be more intense than ever.
As teams gear up for IPL 2025, fans can expect thrilling encounters featuring some of the world’s best cricketers. Stay tuned for the latest IPL updates, match predictions, and player analysis only on CrickPress!
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