
Cameron Green smashes record for most expensive overseas buy in IPL history as KKR snap him for 25.2 cr in massive bidding war.
Cameron Green breaks IPL overseas record in move to Kolkata Knight Riders.
After being acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 25.20 crore (about AU$4.2 million), Cameron Green became the most expensive foreign player in IPL history.
The Australia all-rounder was the focus of fierce bidding between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Tuesday’s player auction for the 2026 season before the three-time winners bought him.
After Indian internationals Rishabh Pant (AU$4.46m) and Shreyas Iyer (AU$4.42m), Green emerged as the third most expensive IPL player overall.
A new IPL rule caps his earnings at slightly under AU$3 million, with KKR donating the remaining funds to the BCCI to support player welfare.
While getting ready for the third Test match against England, which begins on Wednesday, Green learnt of his lucrative contract.
However, Steven Smith was at the top of the list of Australians who were unsold; in his case, no clubs asked to bid on him, therefore he never even came up for an offer.
Josh Inglis had to wait until almost two in the morning Adelaide time to find out his fate, in contrast to Green, whose deal was among the first to be finalised. Smith waited even longer in vain.
Green had previously played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI), but he was sidelined for the 2025 season due to back surgery.
He has taken 16 wickets at 41.50 and an economy rate of 9.07 in 29 IPL games while averaging 41.58 with the bat at a strike rate of 153.69 and a maximum score of 100 not out.
When purchased by KKR in 2024, Green’s price surpassed that of Australia teammate Mitchell Starc, who was valued at AU$4 million.
“He adds lot to our team, especially with our new power coach Andre Russell, very nice to have a young allrounder,” said KKR’s CEO Venky Mysore of Green. “Him having had IPL experience, we know what he does with bat and ball. Couldn’t be happier.”
