No Sri Lankan in IPL Mini-Auction’s Top 5 Costliest Buys
– As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, Sri Lankan fans will once again watch closely, hoping one of their stars will command a record-breaking bid. However, history suggests otherwise, with no Sri Lankan player ever featuring among the top five most expensive buys in an IPL mini-auction — a list dominated by Australian and English match-winners.
The IPL 2026 mini-auction will be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16, with 360 players in the pool and 77 slots to be filled across the 10 franchises. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) enter the auction with the largest purse of Rs 64.3 crore, setting the stage for another big-spending event.
Here’s a look at the five most expensive players in IPL mini-auction history:
1. Mitchell Starc – Rs 24.75 crore (KKR, 2024)
The most expensive overseas player in IPL history, Starc returned after an eight-year absence as KKR outbid DC, MI and GT. While his league phase was modest, the Australian pacer peaked when it mattered most, winning Player of the Match awards in Qualifier 1 and the final to help KKR clinch the title.
2. Pat Cummins – Rs 20.5 crore (SRH, 2024)
Sunrisers Hyderabad broke the bank to secure Cummins, edging out RCB in a fierce bidding battle. Appointed captain, the Australian led from the front with 18 wickets, guiding SRH to the IPL 2024 final.
3. Sam Curran – Rs 18.5 crore (PBKS, 2023)
Punjab Kings made a late but decisive move to land England all-rounder Sam Curran after an intense bidding war involving MI, RR and CSK, making him the most expensive signing of the 2023 auction.
4. Cameron Green – Rs 17.5 crore (MI, 2023)
Mumbai Indians flexed their financial muscle to sign Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, outlasting RCB and DC. Green remains a strong contender to attract another massive bid in future IPL auctions.
5. Ben Stokes – Rs 16.25 crore (CSK, 2023)
Chennai Super Kings edged past multiple franchises to secure England star Ben Stokes. Injuries restricted him to just two matches, and he has not featured in the IPL since.