Cameron Green Sets New Record as IPL's Highest Overseas Signing

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has made history by becoming the highest-paid overseas player in IPL, securing a ₹25.2 crore (£2.1m) contract with Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2026 auction. This remarkable deal followed intense bidding from both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.

Green's signing surpasses the previous record set by KKR’s own Mitchell Starc, who was sold for ₹24.75 crore in 2024. He now ranks as the third-costliest player in IPL history, trailing only Indian stars Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore) and Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore) from 2025.

At just 26, Green boasts experience with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, amassing 707 runs at a remarkable strike-rate exceeding 150, alongside 16 wickets across 29 IPL matches. Although categorized as a capped batter, he will be utilized as an all-rounder, a position he has been fulfilling for Australia in the ongoing Ashes series.

Ben Duckett, England’s opener, will also debut in the IPL, having been acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore (£167,000). Other notable signings include Liam Livingstone, who fetched ₹13 crore (£1.085m) by Sunrisers Hyderabad, along with Tom Banton and Luke Wood joining Gujarat Titans, and Matheesha Pathirana signing for ₹18 crore (£1.5m) with KKR.

Chennai Super Kings have also invested in uncapped Indian talents, signing Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer for a combined ₹14.2 crore (£1.185m). Despite considerable attention, several high-profile international players—like Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow, Jamie Smith, as well as New Zealand’s Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell—remained unsold in initial rounds.

The IPL 2026 auction continues to showcase the escalating demand for overseas all-rounders and rising Indian stars, with Green’s groundbreaking acquisition setting an exciting precedent for the forthcoming season.