Indian Premier League: Who is the Most Expensive Player in IPL History?

IPL Among the Richest Sports Leagues Globally 

The Indian Premier League has experienced remarkable growth since its establishment and has become one of the most widely viewed sports leagues across the globe. In 2024, the top 10 franchises reportedly saw their combined revenue more than double to ₹6,797 crore from ₹3,082 in the previous financial year (not bad for a domestic league, right?).

To illustrate the magnitude of this achievement, bear in mind that the IPL was the highest revenue-generating sports league globally in 2023! It is understood that last year, the IPL brand value reached $12 billion, up from $9 billion the year before. 

The driving force of this growth was securing additional broadcasting rights and partnerships with leading organisations, including some of the best online bookmakers. Notably, the Lucknow Super Giants experienced its best year since joining the league in 2022, posting a ₹59 crore profit in 2024. 

In fact, the Super Giants not only splashed the cash on a player but now own the most expensive player in the history of the tournament. So, who is IPL’s top earner? 

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Rishabh Pant - Lucknow Super Giants (₹27.00)

India’s wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League at the IPL auction in November 2024, with the Lucknow Super Giants splashing out ₹27.00 crore ($3.2m) to secure his services. 

Pant was released by the Delhi Capitals, who he captained for three seasons, ahead of the auction, and he had no shortage of offers, with the Royal Challengers and Sunrisers Hyderabad both making bids, while the Capitals also tried to retain their star man. 

Lucknow’s ₹27.00 crore offer was eventually the winning one and surpassed the ₹24.75 crore record that the Kolkata Knight Riders set to sign Mitchell Starc in 2024. KKR are now showing up as the fourth favourite to win the tournament according to the latest IPL odds. 

Just before Pant’s eye-watering deal was announced, the record for the most expensive IPL player had already been broken earlier in the day by the Punjab Kings, who locked in former KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore. 

However, KKR were not to be outdone at the glamorous event and forked out ₹23.75 crore to retain Iyer’s namesake, Venkatesh. Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal also ended the auction in the top 10 list of the most expensive players at ₹18 crore apiece. 

This year's competition kicks off on Saturday at Eden Gardens with the Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru​​​​​​, and you can check out our experts' insights for every match at this year's IPL using our free cricket predictions right here on SportyTrader!

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