Australian all-rounder Cameron Green made history at the IPL 2026 auction when he was picked up for a massive ₹25.20 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who secured the services of the costliest overseas player in the history of the tournament. KKR were against CSK in a bidding war before the three-time champions won the services of Green.
By signing this deal, Green has ended up as the third most costly player ever in IPL history overall, only behind Indian stalwarts Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. Green will earn just under AUD 3 million in the IPL’s updated payment model and effectively transfer the balance into a player welfare account at the BCCI.
Commenting on the signing, KKR CEO Venky Mysore said he was delighted to have a “true” all-rounder in Green. “Green happens to be a good T20 domestic player and his capability with both bat and ball made him an ideal fit, especially when paired up with senior players like Andre Russell,” he said.
He was informed of his record-breaking contract while packing for Australia’s third Test against England. The 25-year-old has previously represented the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru over other seasons but had to miss IPL 2025 due to back surgery.
Even having made just cameo appearances, Green’s a good performer in the IPL. He scored at 41.58 with a strike rate of 153.69 from his 29 games, including an unbeaten century. With the ball, he has taken 16 wickets, which completes his well-rounded profile.
Notably, Green’s price tag went over ₹24.75 crore, which Mitchell Starc had bagged in 2024 (also with KKR). Starc, now of the Delhi Capitals, was not part of this year’s auction. A few other Australians, too, were held onto or bought, but the overall figure of Australians in IPL 2026 is 16.
The 19th edition of the IPL is set to start on March 26 and attention will be centred on Cameron Green as he attempts to repay his historic price in the KKR colours.
