IPL 2026 Mini Auction: Top 5 Most Expensive Overseas Players

The IPL 2026 mini auction saw franchises spend heavily to secure the best overseas talent. Out of 369 players in the auction, 115 were foreign, and 77 of them found a place in various squads. All-rounders, fast bowlers, and top-order T20 specialists were the most sought-after. Here’s a look at the top 5 most expensive overseas players of the IPL 2026 auction.

1. Cameron Green – ₹25.2 Crore (KKR, Australia)

The Australian all-rounder emerged as the most expensive overseas player in IPL 2026, bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping ₹25.2 crore. Green’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a rare asset. Known for his aggressive batting and pace bowling, he is expected to stabilize KKR’s middle order and provide crucial breakthroughs in the bowling department.

2. Matheesha Pathirana – ₹18 Crore (KKR, Sri Lanka)

Pathirana, the Sri Lankan fast bowler with a Lasith Malinga-like action, triggered a fierce bidding war between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. KKR eventually secured him for ₹18 crore. A death-over specialist, Pathirana is renowned for his accurate yorkers and unorthodox bowling, making him a key weapon to restrict opposition scoring in the final overs.

3. Liam Livingstone – ₹13 Crore (SRH, England)

England’s explosive all-rounder Liam Livingstone attracted attention from multiple teams including KKR, SRH, GT, and LSG. Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for ₹13 crore to strengthen their middle-order batting. Livingstone is capable of scoring quickly at any position and offers both leg-spin and off-spin bowling options, adding depth to SRH’s batting and spin resources.

4. Mustafizur Rahman – ₹9.2 Crore (KKR, Bangladesh)

The left-arm pacer from Bangladesh, popularly known as “The Fizz,” was acquired by KKR for ₹9.2 crore after competing bids from Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. Rahman’s swing and cutter deliveries make him lethal in both powerplay and death overs, giving KKR added variety and experience in their fast-bowling attack.

5. Josh Inglis – ₹8.6 Crore (LSG, Australia)

The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹8.6 crore. Inglis is a T20 finisher and an explosive wicketkeeper, making him a crucial overseas addition for LSG. His availability for only four matches made this investment even more strategic, ensuring LSG a powerful option behind the stumps and in the lower-middle order.

The IPL 2026 mini auction highlighted the importance of versatile overseas players, with franchises investing heavily to balance batting, bowling, and finishing abilities in their squads.

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