KKR break Mitchell Starc’s ₹24.75 crore record to sign Cameron Green at IPL 2026 auction

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green, as expected, attracted a massive bidding war from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2026 auction on Tuesday, January 16, in Abu Dhabi.

The star cricketer eventually went to KKR for a massive amount of ₹25.20 crore, breaking compatriot Mitchell Starc's previous record of ₹24.75 crore to make him the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history.

The seam-bowling all-rounder entered the auction at a base price of ₹2 crore, with the Mumbai Indians starting the bid. After the Mumbai Indians opted out, the Knight Riders and Royals came into the frame. Nevertheless, the Royals bowed out when the amount had surged to ₹13.60 crore, with the Super Kings entering the fray. The three-time champions eventually won the bidding at a massive amount of ₹25.50 crore.

Nevertheless, the maximum any player can get in the IPL 2026 auction is ₹18 crore. Any amount exceeding the limit will be allocated to the BCCI and can be utilised for players' welfare.

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Cameron Green missed IPL 2025 due to back injury

Cameron Green bowling for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023. (Credits: Getty)

Green missed the previous edition after undergoing surgery for a back injury. Having made his IPL debut in 2023, the 26-year-old has plied his trade for the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In 29 IPL games, Green has accumulated 707 runs, along with taking 16 scalps.

The Knight Riders will hope for the Aussie all-rounder to fill in the big shoes of Andre Russell, who was released ahead of the auction and eventually retired. The Jamaican will serve as KKR's power coach for the 2026 edition.

Before the Australian all-rounder, David Miller was the only player to attract bids as the Delhi Capitals secured his services. The 19th edition of the IPL is reportedly likely to begin on March 26, and the final could be played on May 31.