Cameron Green has etched his name into IPL history, becoming the most expensive overseas player the league has ever seen after being snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 25.20 crore (approximately AU$4.2 million) at Tuesday’s IPL 2026 player auction.
The Australia allrounder was at the centre of an intense bidding duel between KKR and Chennai Super Kings before the three-time champions finally secured his signature. The deal makes Green the third most expensive player overall in IPL history, behind only India stars Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.
Under new IPL regulations, Green’s personal earnings will be capped at just under AU$3 million, with the remaining amount paid by KKR diverted to the BCCI’s player welfare fund.
Green received confirmation of his blockbuster move while preparing for Australia’s third Test against England, which begins on Wednesday — a sharp contrast to several of his compatriots who endured long, fruitless waits at the auction table. Steven Smith, for instance, was never even brought up for bidding, while Josh Inglis only learned his fate late into the night.
“He adds a lot to our team,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore said. “Especially alongside someone like Andre Russell, it’s great to have a young allrounder. Cameron has IPL experience, we know what he brings with bat and ball, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Green’s price eclipses the previous overseas record set by fellow Australian Mitchell Starc, who fetched around AU$4 million when KKR signed him ahead of the 2024 season. Starc, now with Delhi Capitals, was not part of this year’s auction.
The 25-year-old has previously represented Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, though he missed the 2025 IPL season following back surgery. Across 29 IPL matches, Green has averaged 41.58 with the bat at a strike rate of 153.69, including a century, while also contributing 16 wickets.
Several Australians were already retained ahead of the auction, including Pat Cummins and Travis Head at Sunrisers Hyderabad, and an injured Josh Hazlewood at defending champions RCB.
Others found new homes on auction night. Punjab Kings, coached by Ricky Ponting, added Ben Dwarshuis and Cooper Connolly, while Matthew Short joined CSK. Sunrisers Hyderabad also invested in New South Wales allrounder Jack Edwards, their sole uncapped overseas signing.
In total, 16 Australian players will feature in the 19th edition of the IPL, which begins on March 26, with even more influence coming from the dugouts — notably through high-profile coaches like Ponting and Justin Langer.
For Green, the record-breaking price is both validation and opportunity, as he prepares to take the next step in his IPL journey — this time in purple and gold.
