The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a thriving hub for global cricket talent, drawing intense battles during auctions for top international players. These auctions have seen eye-popping amounts spent to secure seasoned overseas stars. Ahead of the 2024 IPL auction, let’s glance at the five priciest foreign players in IPL history. These players, with their experience and skills, commanded staggering bids, while the franchises aimed at adding immense value to their teams.
5 costliest foreign players in IPL history
Sam Curran
The IPL 2023 auction buzzed with fervour as England’s Sam Curran, a dynamic all-rounder, gained immense traction. Fresh off his stellar performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, where he claimed the Player of the Tournament honour, Curran became a hot prospect. Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched him for a whopping Rs 18.50 crore, triggering waves during the auction. Starting at a modest Rs 2 crore, Curran sparked a bidding war involving major franchises like Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Cameron Green
Cameron Green stole the spotlight at the 2023 IPL auction, sparking intense competition among franchises. The gifted Australian all-rounder inked a significant deal worth Rs 17.50 crore with Mumbai Indians, then the highest for an overseas player. However, the record swiftly changed hands as Sam Curran surpassed it on the same auction day.
Ben Stokes
In a fierce tussle involving five franchises, CSK secured Stokes for Rs 16.25 crore after an extended bidding session. Despite starting with a base price of Rs 2 crore, the England Test captain attracted attention from RR and RCB initially. RCB dropped out after bidding for Rs 6.50 crore, leaving CSK victorious in the battle for the English all-rounder.
Chris Morris
Chris Morris made IPL history during the 2021 auction as the priciest overseas player, bagged by RR for Rs 16.25 crore. Renowned for his aggressive batting and lethal bowling in the final overs, Morris ignited a bidding war among MI, RCB, and RR, all displaying strong interest in securing his services.
Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran made headlines in the 2023 IPL auction as the costliest wicketkeeper-batter, joining LSG for a whopping Rs 16 crore. His price tag surpassed Ishan Kishan’s previous record of Rs 15.25 crore set in 2022 while playing for Mumbai Indians. Pooran’s acquisition marks a significant milestone in IPL history for wicketkeeper-batters.
Also check: IPL Auction 2024 Live
