The Indian Premier League auction has always been a major attraction, with franchises competing fiercely to secure top talent through record-breaking bids. Every season, teams invest heavily in players who can transform their fortunes, leading to intense bidding wars that captivate fans worldwide. Over the years, several players have fetched staggering amounts, reflecting the premium placed on experienced and impactful cricketers. Notable examples include Yuvraj Singh, who became one of the costliest buys for consecutive seasons, and Rishabh Pant, who made history in the 2025 auction as the most expensive player ever. Each franchise has its own list of marquee purchases, players they believed could become game-changers. The auction is not just about team building but also about the spectacle of high-value deals that keep everyone on edge. Here is a look at the most expensive buys in each team's auction history and how these investments shaped their campaigns.
Record-Breaking Purchases Across Franchises
Chennai Super Kings spent 16.25 crore on Ben Stokes in 2023, while Delhi Capitals paid 16 crore for Yuvraj Singh in 2016. Gujarat Titans acquired Jos Buttler for 15.75 crore in 2025. Kolkata Knight Riders made Mitchell Starc the second-most expensive player at 24.75 crore in 2024. Lucknow Super Giants created history by signing Rishabh Pant for a record 27 crore in 2025. Mumbai Indians invested 17.5 crore in Cameron Green in 2023. Punjab Kings secured Shreyas Iyer for 26.75 crore in 2025. Royal Challengers Bangalore paid 15 crore for Kyle Jamieson in 2021, while Rajasthan Royals spent 16.25 crore on Chris Morris the same year. Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired Pat Cummins for 20.5 crore in 2024. These figures exclude retained or traded players.
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