Cameron Green Breaks IPL Overseas Record at ₹25.20 Cr in 2026 Auction

The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi saw Australian all-rounder Cameron Green become the most expensive overseas player in league history. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured Green for a staggering ₹25.20 crore after a fierce bidding battle. This major acquisition reshapes KKR’s squad ahead of the upcoming season.

KKR Seals Record Deal for Green

Kolkata Knight Riders made a definitive statement at the IPL 2026 auction, signing Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore. This figure translates to approximately $2.8 million, setting a new benchmark for overseas talent in the league. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pushed KKR hard in an intense bidding war for the Australian all-rounder. The drama unfolded live on streams from ESPNcricinfo and Oneindia News on December 16, 2025.

KKR also bolstered their bowling attack by acquiring Matheesha Pathirana. The Sri Lankan pace bowler joins the squad, adding further depth. Pathirana’s addition, alongside Green, signals KKR’s aggressive spending strategy for IPL 2026.

Why Green’s Price Matters

Cameron Green’s ₹25.20 crore price tag underscores the escalating financial stakes in the Indian Premier League. This deal surpassed all previous overseas player records, reflecting the high demand for elite all-rounders. Green’s dual ability with both bat and ball makes him a rare commodity. Franchises now see substantial value in players who can contribute across multiple facets of the game.

The purchase also addresses a key strategic need for KKR. Green is widely seen as a direct replacement for former star all-rounder Andre Russell, providing similar power-hitting and pace bowling capabilities. His all-round skills are expected to stabilize KKR’s middle order and add crucial wicket-taking options. The IPL’s ₹125 crore auction purse per team allows for such high-value acquisitions, driving competition fiercely.

A New Chapter for KKR and Green

KKR’s spending on Green and Pathirana reflects a clear intent to build a formidable squad for IPL 2026. The team aims to move past previous seasons with these strategic buys. Green’s arrival elevates his personal IPL career trajectory significantly. He now carries the weight of being the costliest overseas player, an expectation that will follow him onto the field.

The intense bidding battle between KKR and CSK for Green also reignites their historical rivalry. Some speculate CSK “missed a trick” by not pushing further, according to live auction reactions. This tension could add another layer of intrigue to their future encounters in the league. The deal sets a new standard for Australian all-rounders, influencing future player valuations globally.

Reactions to the Auction Frenzy

The record-breaking bid for Cameron Green immediately became a major talking point across social media and cricket forums. Fan reactions on YouTube lives emphasized shock at the ₹25.20 crore tag. Many expressed excitement for KKR’s aggressive spending, according to various streams. The bidding war between KKR and CSK generated significant online buzz.

“This was massive drama and history-making.”

Oneindia News called the bidding “massive drama” and “history-making,” as reported on their live broadcast. ESPN highlighted Green as the third-most expensive overall buy in IPL history, reinforcing the scale of the acquisition. Viral moments from the KKR-CSK bidding frenzy dominated trending hashtags like #IPL2026Auction and #CameronGreenIPL. The general sentiment pointed to a new era of aggressive franchise spending.

What’s Next for KKR

With Green and Pathirana now confirmed, KKR will focus on integrating their new talents into the existing squad. The team faces the task of finalizing their lineup and preparing for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. KKR’s lineup receives a significant boost with Green’s all-round prowess. Pathirana adds a different dimension to their pace attack.

The focus now shifts to team preparations and training camps, with potential press conferences post-auction to address the strategy. This record auction further elevates the IPL as a global spectacle. It rivals major sports auctions worldwide, drawing international attention to its financial might and competitive intensity, as highlighted by ESPN’s coverage. The acquisitions position KKR as strong title contenders for the IPL 2026 trophy our analysis on ipl.