Australian cricket star Cameron Green has made history, becoming the most expensive overseas player ever purchased in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Kolkata Knight Riders secured the all-rounder for a staggering 252 million rupees (£3.3 million / $4.17 million) at Tuesday's player auction for the 2026 season.
Intense Bidding War for Premier All-Rounder
The 26-year-old West Australian was the subject of a fierce bidding battle between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Chennai Super Kings before finally being snapped up by the three-time champions. Green's price tag not only sets a new benchmark for overseas talent but also makes him the third most expensive player in IPL history overall, trailing only Indian internationals Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.
Remarkably, Green received the news of his lucrative deal while preparing for the third Ashes Test against England in Perth. The powerful all-rounder missed the entire 2025 IPL season following back surgery but has clearly lost none of his market value. His new fee eclipses the previous overseas record held by his Australia teammate, Mitchell Starc, who was bought by the Knight Riders for $4 million in 2024.
Proven IPL Performer with Stellar Stats
Green's colossal price is justified by his impressive track record in the tournament. In 29 IPL matches, he has averaged 41.6 with the bat at a blistering strike rate of 153.7, including a top score of 100 not out. With the ball, he has taken 16 wickets. His standout 2024 season for the Mumbai Indians, where he scored 452 runs at an average of 50.22, made him the prime target for franchises seeking a world-class overseas all-rounder.
Green was one of 19 Australian players on the auction shortlist in Abu Dhabi, and was widely tipped to command the largest fee of his compatriots. While he heads to Kolkata, other notable Australians like Steve Smith and Josh Inglis were also among those available. Ten Australians, including Test stars Pat Cummins and Travis Head, had already been retained by their franchises ahead of the auction.
What This Record Deal Means
This landmark signing underscores the immense value placed on genuine all-round talent in the fast-paced T20 format. For the Kolkata Knight Riders, securing Green addresses a critical need and signals serious intent for the 2026 campaign. For the player himself, it represents a spectacular return to the IPL arena after a year sidelined, cementing his status as one of the most sought-after cricketers in the global franchise landscape.
