Regarding IPL auctions, it’s like watching a high-stakes poker game, except the chips are players and the stakes? Well, they’re usually in crores. As we gear up for the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, let’s dive into the history books and uncover the legends who have commanded record-breaking price tags. These overseas players didn’t just break the bank—they redefined the term “investment.”

But first, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Rishabh Pant. In a stunning turn of events, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) went all in for the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, smashing the all-time IPL record with a whopping ₹27 crore bid. While the Delhi Capitals tried to use their Right-to-Match card, LSG’s determination saw them clinch Pant in a dramatic bidding war. With this move, Pant officially dethroned Mitchell Starc as the most expensive player in IPL history.

Now, back to the overseas maestros who’ve ruled the auction tables.

The Fab Five: All-Time Most Expensive Overseas Players in IPL

1. Mitchell Starc (KKR, INR 24.75 Crore, 2024)

The man, the myth, the left-arm thunderbolt. Starc etched his name in IPL history when Kolkata Knight Riders shelled out a jaw-dropping ₹24.75 crore for his services in 2024. And he didn’t disappoint. With 15 wickets in 13 matches, Starc played a pivotal role in KKR ending their 10-year title drought. His lethal yorkers and timely breakthroughs proved he was worth every rupee of that record-breaking bid.

2. Pat Cummins (SRH, INR 20.50 Crore, 2024)

Who says bowlers can’t lead from the front? Pat Cummins fetched ₹20.50 crore and justified it by steering SunRisers Hyderabad to the IPL final in 2024. Captaining with aplomb and scalping 17 wickets in 13 matches, Cummins made it look like SRH had hit the jackpot. His all-around impact is what teams dream of, and SRH’s deep run in the tournament was proof of his value.

3. Sam Curran (Punjab Kings, INR 18.50 Crore, 2023)

In 2023, Punjab Kings went all out for this dynamic all-rounder, a decision they didn’t regret. Curran delivered with the bat, scoring 317 runs, and with the ball, snatching 10 wickets. Whether it was finishing games or breaking crucial partnerships, Curran’s performances screamed versatility. While Punjab Kings fell short of glory, Curran’s contributions ensured their season was anything but forgettable.

4. Chris Morris (RR, INR 16.25 Crore, 2021)

Chris Morris’s price tag in 2021 made jaws drop, and though his batting left something to be desired (a modest 107 runs), his bowling was pure gold. With 15 wickets in 10 matches, Morris proved to be Rajasthan Royals’ strike weapon. While critics debated his batting returns, the Royals banked on his wicket-taking prowess—and rightly so.

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5. Ben Stokes (CSK, INR 16.25 Crore, 2023)

Ah, Ben Stokes. The quintessential superstar whose IPL stint in 2023 with Chennai Super Kings turned out to be a misadventure. Injuries limited him to just two matches, where he scored 18 runs and picked up a solitary wicket. While his price tag raised expectations to astronomical levels, CSK’s gamble didn’t quite pay off. Still, Stokes remains one of the league’s most valuable players on paper.

Rishabh Pant’s Historic Record

While the focus often shifts to overseas stars, Rishabh Pant’s acquisition by Lucknow Super Giants has rewritten IPL history. The ₹27 crore spent on him in 2025 is a testament to his game-changing abilities. Pant, known for his fearless batting and leadership potential, is expected to be a cornerstone of LSG’s strategy moving forward. This acquisition highlights the IPL’s evolution, where Indian talent continues to dominate the narrative alongside overseas superstars.

What’s Next in 2025?

The IPL 2025 mega auction is set to be another fireworks display of money and madness. With players like Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, and David Warner potentially going under the hammer, we could see even more records tumble.

Will Pant’s ₹27 crore remain untouched? Or will another player, overseas or domestic, rise to claim the throne? One thing is certain: the IPL remains cricket’s ultimate carnival, where legends are made, records are broken, and fortunes are spent.