From Starc to Morris: The Costliest Buys in IPL Mini-Auction History

IPL mini-auctions are often characterized by fierce competition among franchises trying to fill their crucial spots with very little cash. Besides, if more than one team is after a star player, the price basically has no limits. Now, before the December 16 IPL 2026 auction, let's go through six players for whom teams had to spend a lot of money at the previous mini-auctions.

Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 crore (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2024)

Mitchell Starc made the headlines by being the most exorbitant player ever bought at the IPL auction. The fast bowler from Down Under, who was absent from the league for nine years, drew a lot of competition among the bidders. KKR outmaneuvered not only DC's but also MI's and GT's bids, grabbing Starc for an unbelievable amount of ₹24.75 crore, which was almost 75% of their allowed spending limit.

KKR's faith in Starc turned out to be correct in the decisive instances even though he had an exceptionally high economy rate during the league phase. The bowler delivered the most impactful bowling during the playoffs, and with his two great performances in Qualifier 1 and the final, he was the one who eventually took Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title.

Pat Cummins – ₹20.50 crore (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2024)

Pat Cummins for a short while was the record holder of the most expensive IPL player until he was surpassed by Starc just minutes later. Not surprising then, he was in demand among the franchises because of his leadership skills, fast bowling, and the ability to bat well at the lower end of the order and they proposed offers from MI, CSK, RCB, and SRH.

In the end, Sunrisers Hyderabad got him for ₹20.50 crore. Although his economy rate was not among the best during IPL 2024, Cummins’ most significant contribution was his role as captain; he led SRH to the finals, which they last achieved in 2016.

Sam Curran – ₹18.50 crore (Punjab Kings, 2023)

Sam Curran, who had just won Player of the Tournament at the 2022 T20 World Cup, came to the mini-auction of 2023 as the most sought-after player among all. However, a fierce bidding war among five teams resulted in the Punjab Kings getting the English all-rounder at ₹18.50 crores.

The first season of Curran with PBKS was a mix of ups and downs, but he kept on getting better in the following year, contributing with both spanning the bat and the ball and even taking up the role of leading the side as captain.

Cameron Green – ₹17.50 crore (Mumbai Indians, 2023)

Another diamond all-rounder in the 2023 auction, Cameron Green had a bidding war with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Delhi Capitals briefly escalated the rate. MI finally acquired Green for ₹17.50 crore, making him their most costly auction signing at that time.

Green paid back the trust with a brilliant season, making 452 runs with an average over 50, including a superb hundred while chasing against Sunrisers Hyderabad, besides his crucial part in MI's playoff run.

Ben Stokes – ₹16.25 crore (Chennai Super Kings, 2023)

Ben Stokes was auctioned as a possible captain and a proven IPL match-winner. The bidding started among several teams, but the Chennai Super Kings made a late move and got him for ₹16.25 crore.

Nevertheless, injuries proved to be a major obstacle and diminished his influence. Stokes played only two matches during the whole season, and the transfer eventually did not bring back the expected CSK’s returns.

Chris Morris – ₹16.25 crore (Rajasthan Royals, 2021)

Chris Morris was the first player ever to cross the ₹16 crore barrier during the IPL. Rajasthan Royals won the bidding war against the Mumbai Indians and RCB for the South African all-rounder, paying ₹16.25 crore, thus making him the most expensive IPL buy of the time.

Even though there were moments when he showed his bowling skills, Morris was not able to show the performance level that would convince about his high price off and on. IPL 2021 became his last season in the league.

With the IPL 2026 mini-auction drawing near, history implies that some conflicts for the players could again change their value, which means that in the IPL, needing and the right moment can make someone a record-buy overnight.