Expensive foreign players have become a defining feature of the Indian Premier League (IPL), as franchises spare no cost to secure international match-winners. The IPL, now one of the richest and most-watched cricket leagues globally, sees teams bidding aggressively for overseas stars who can deliver explosive performances and shift game momentum. With salary caps increasing and competition intensifying, these expensive buys reflect both on-field expectations and off-field marketability. As of the 2025 season, here’s a look at the Top 5 Most Expensive Foreign Players in IPL History.
5. Trent Boult – ₹12.50 Crore (Mumbai Indians, 2025)
New Zealand’s swing maestro Trent Boult rejoined Mumbai Indians for ₹12.50 crore in the 2025 mega auction, making him the fifth costliest foreign buy in IPL history. Boult had previously played a pivotal role in MI’s 2020 title win, consistently striking in the powerplay and maintaining tight lines. After a successful stint with the Rajasthan Royals, MI went hard to bring back the left-armer, aiming to recreate the feared Boult-Bumrah partnership. Boult’s ability to extract swing early and his unmatched accuracy made him a prized asset, particularly on Indian pitches where quality left-arm seam is scarce. His return to Mumbai was not just nostalgic but strategic, as MI aimed to re-establish themselves as title contenders after a few off-seasons.
4. Pat Cummins – ₹15.50 Crore (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2020)
Pat Cummins became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history at the time when he was signed for ₹15.50 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2020 auction. The Australian Test captain and pace spearhead brought with him elite skills, including searing pace, intelligent variations, and a cool head under pressure. Cummins was KKR’s go-to pacer across multiple seasons, often entrusted with delivering the most crucial overs. His IPL stint was marked by both brilliance and inconsistency, but his presence brought balance to the squad and leadership to the bowling group. In a season where quality pacers were in high demand and short supply, KKR’s aggressive bid for Cummins set a precedent for overseas fast bowlers.
3. Jos Buttler – ₹15.75 Crore (Gujarat Titans, 2025)
In the 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, England’s white-ball captain and T20 stalwart Jos Buttler fetched ₹15.75 crore from Gujarat Titans, becoming the third most expensive overseas player in IPL history. Known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, Buttler is a proven match-winner, having scored over 3,000 runs in the IPL with multiple centuries. His performances for Rajasthan Royals—including a 530-run season in 2022—cemented his status as one of the most destructive batters in the world. Gujarat Titans, looking to replace Hardik Pandya after his return to Mumbai Indians, went all-in on Buttler, expecting him to play the dual role of top-order aggressor and middle-order anchor.
2. Sam Curran – ₹18.50 Crore (Punjab Kings, 2023)
England’s all-rounder Sam Curran became the most expensive IPL player ever at the time, as Punjab Kings bought him for ₹18.50 crore. His exceptional performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where he won the Player of the Tournament award. Curran’s ability to bowl both in the powerplay and at the death, coupled with his left-handed finishing skills with the bat, made him one of the most complete T20 cricketers on the market. Punjab Kings, desperate for a dependable all-rounder, took the bold step of making Curran their most expensive acquisition in franchise history. He had a mixed season in 2023 but showed glimpses of brilliance, including a match-winning cameo and a few crucial breakthroughs with the ball.
1. Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 Crore (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2024)
Australia’s premier left-arm fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, made history by becoming the most expensive player ever in the IPL when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought him for an astronomical ₹24.75 crore in the 2024 auction. This was Starc’s long-awaited return to the IPL after years of prioritising national duty and injury management. KKR broke the bank to secure his services, primarily for his ability to deliver in crunch moments, especially with his lethal yorkers and swinging deliveries in the powerplay and death overs. Starc came into the IPL 2024 auction fresh off a World Cup-winning campaign with Australia and had proven once again that he thrives on the biggest stage.
Quick Look
| Rank | Player | Nationality | Team | Year | Price (INR) | Role | IPL Matches (as of 2025) | Wickets/Runs | IPL Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Starc | Australia | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2024 | ₹24.75 Crore | Fast Bowler | 12 | 17 wickets | 4/32 |
| 2 | Sam Curran | England | Punjab Kings | 2023 | ₹18.50 Crore | All-rounder | 14 | 10 wickets / 170 runs | 3/31 / 42* |
| 3 | Jos Buttler | England | Gujarat Titans | 2025 | ₹15.75 Crore | Wk-Batter | 1 (Debut Season with GT) | 500 runs | 97* |
| 4 | Pat Cummins | Australia | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2020 | ₹15.50 Crore | Fast Bowler | 37 | 38 wickets / 288 runs | 4/34 / 66* |
| 5 | Trent Boult | New Zealand | Mumbai Indians | 2025 | ₹12.50 Crore | Fast Bowler | 55 | 68 wickets | 4/18 |
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