Australian cricket star Cameron Green has made history, becoming the most expensive overseas player ever purchased in the Indian Premier League. The powerhouse all-rounder was snapped up by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering £2.06 million (A$4.17 million) during the player auction for the 2026 season.
Intense Bidding War Secures Star All-Rounder
The auction in Abu Dhabi saw a fierce battle for Green's signature, with the Kolkata Knight Riders ultimately outbidding the Chennai Super Kings to secure the 26-year-old. This monumental fee not only sets a new benchmark for overseas talent but also makes Green the third most expensive player in IPL history overall, trailing only Indian stars Rishabh Pant (£2.2m) and Shreyas Iyer (£2.18m).
Remarkably, Green received the news of his multi-million pound deal while preparing for the third Ashes Test against England in the UK. The West Australian had missed the entire 2025 IPL season following back surgery, making his high-price return to the tournament even more notable.
A Proven Track Record of Excellence
Green's colossal price tag is justified by his impressive performances in the T20 format. In his 29 IPL matches to date, he has maintained a formidable batting average of 41.6 at a 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 was particularly influential, where he scored 452 runs at an average of 50.22 and a strike rate of 160.28. This proven ability as a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball made him the prime target for franchises seeking a top-tier overseas all-rounder.
Australian Contingent in High Demand
Green was one of four players from Australia's current Test squad to enter the auction, and he was widely predicted to command the largest fee. His final price eclipsed the previous record for an overseas player, set by his compatriot Mitchell Starc at £1.97 million when he was bought by the Knight Riders for the 2024 season.
While Starc was not in this year's auction, having been retained by his franchise along with other Australian stars like Pat Cummins and Travis Head, a total of 19 Australians were on the shortlist. With only 31 overseas slots available across the league from a pool of 110 foreign players, competition was exceptionally fierce.
Other Australian players available included Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, and Beau Webster. The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, also retained the currently injured Josh Hazlewood. Green's record-breaking move to Kolkata Knight Riders underscores the immense value and impact that elite Australian all-rounders continue to have in the world's most lucrative cricket league.
