Most Expensive Players in IPL from 2008-2024 (2024)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about cricket; it's a grand spectacle where players are auctioned like prized possessions, fetching staggering amounts of money. Over the years, the IPL auctions have witnessed jaw-dropping bids for top-notch cricketers. Let's take a look at the cream of the crop—the most expensive players in IPL from 2008 to 2023.

1. 2008: MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) – Rs 9.5 Crore

The inaugural IPL auction saw MS Dhoni, the 'Captain Cool,' fetching a massive Rs 9.5 crore bid from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This marked the beginning of Dhoni's iconic journey with the franchise, shaping CSK's legacy in the tournament.

2. 2009: Kevin Pietersen (Royal Challengers Bangalore) & Andrew Flintoff (Chennai Super Kings) – Rs 9.8 Crore

The 2009 auction witnessed a bidding war between franchises for English stars Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff. Royal Challengers Bangalore secured Pietersen's services, while Flintoff went to Chennai Super Kings, both fetching a hefty Rs 9.8 crore bid.

3. 2011: Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders) – Rs 14.9 Crore

Gautam Gambhir emerged as the most expensive player in the 2011 auction, fetching a mammoth Rs 14.9 crore bid from Kolkata Knight Riders. This investment proved fruitful as Gambhir led KKR to multiple IPL titles, becoming one of the most successful captains in IPL history.

4. 2012: Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) – Rs 12.8 Crore

In 2012, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja became the talk of the town as Chennai Super Kings splurged Rs 12.8 crore to secure his services. Jadeja's consistent performances with both bat and ball justified CSK's hefty investment.

5. 2014: Yuvraj Singh (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – Rs 14 Crore

Yuvraj Singh, the 'King of Sixes,' was the most sought-after player in both the 2014 and 2015 auctions. Royal Challengers Bangalore broke the bank to acquire his services, shelling out Rs 14 crore.

6. 2015: Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Daredevils) – Rs 16 Crore

The southpaw’s exploits for RCB in 2014 motivated others to go even bigger in the 2015 season, with Delhi Daredevils breaking the bank for the World Cup winner. Yuvraj, however, could not emulate the form of RCB in 2015.

7. 2016: Shane Watson (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – Rs 9.5 Crore

Shane Watson, the Australian all-rounder, fetched a hefty Rs 9.5 crore bid from Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2016 auction. Watson's explosive batting and handy bowling made him a valuable asset for the franchise.

8. 2017: Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiant) – Rs 14.5 Crore

English all-rounder Ben Stokes set the IPL auctions on fire in both 2017 and 2018. Rising Pune Supergiant splurged Rs 14.5, making Stokes one of the highest-paid players in IPL history.

9. 2018: Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals) – Rs 12.5 Crore

Stokes scored 316 runs and took 12 wickets in the 2017 season, which propelled Rajasthan Royals to go for his services in 2018. They paid a mammoth Rs 12.5 Crores for the Englishman’s services. Unfortunately for RR, Stokes could not carry forward his form from the preview season.

10. 2019: Jaydev Unadkat (Rajasthan Royals) & Varun Chakravarthy (Kings XI Punjab) – Rs 8.4 Crore

The 2019 auction witnessed a surprise as Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy became the joint-most expensive players, fetching bids of Rs 8.4 crore each from Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) respectively.

11. 2020: Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders) – Rs 15.5 Crore

Australian pacer Pat Cummins set a new benchmark in the IPL auction history in 2020. Kolkata Knight Riders splurged a whopping Rs 15.5 crore to secure Cummins, making him the most expensive overseas player ever in the IPL.

12. 2021: Chris Morris (Rajasthan Royals) – Rs 16.25 Crore

South African all-rounder Chris Morris stole the limelight in the 2021 auction. Rajasthan Royals broke all records by splurging Rs 16.25 crore to acquire Morris, making him the most expensive player in IPL history at that time.

13. 2022: Ishan Kishan (Mumbai Indians) – Rs 15.25 Crore

Young Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan turned heads in the 2022 auction. Mumbai Indians secured his services for a whopping Rs 15.25 crore, reflecting the franchise's faith in his potential.

14. 2023: Sam Curran (Punjab Kings) – Rs 18.5 Crore

In the 2023 auction, all-rounder Sam Curran became the most expensive player, fetching a staggering bid of Rs 18.5 crore from Punjab Kings. Curran's all-round abilities made him a prized asset for the franchise.

15. 2024: Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) – Rs 24.75 Crore

In 2024, Australian speedster Mitchell Starc shattered all previous records and became the most expensive player in IPL history. Kolkata Knight Riders splurged a jaw-dropping Rs 24.75 crore to secure Starc's services, making headlines across the cricketing world.

The IPL auctions have consistently been a platform where players' worth transcends boundaries, with astronomical bids redefining the league's financial landscape year after year. These expensive signings not only reflect the players' talent but also the fierce competition among franchises to assemble the most formidable squads in pursuit of IPL glory.

As the 2024 season nears, Dream11 players have a constant eye on the players' value as they try to form a winning team. Additionally, it would be interesting to see if Starc can repay the faith of KKR in IPL 2024.