New Delhi: The IPL mini auction has consistently proven to be as dramatic and competitive as the mega auction, despite franchises operating with relatively smaller purses. Time and again, teams have engaged in intense bidding wars for a select group of players, pushing prices to record levels and, in some cases, even surpassing mega-auction figures.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, scheduled to be held on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, franchises will be looking to fill 77 available slots. History suggests that while many players go under the hammer quietly, a few names can ignite bidding frenzies that leave the cricketing world stunned. Here are six such cricketers whose market value soared unexpectedly during mini auctions, rewriting IPL auction records.
Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 Crore
Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc scripted history by becoming the most expensive player ever bought at an IPL auction. After first entering the IPL in 2015 with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Starc returned to the league through the IPL 2024 mini auction.
A fierce bidding war erupted among Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Titans. KKR eventually secured Starc for a staggering ₹24.75 crore, which accounted for nearly 76% of their total purse—a record at the time. The figure stood as the highest-ever auction price until later editions saw it eclipsed.
Pat Cummins – ₹20.50 Crore
Moments before Starc’s record, his Australian teammate and captain Pat Cummins briefly held the title of the IPL’s most expensive player. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) acquired Cummins for ₹20.50 crore at the IPL 2024 mini auction—the first instance of a player crossing the ₹20-crore mark.
SRH faced stiff competition from Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, with the latter staying in the contest until the very end. Though Cummins’ economy rate was on the higher side, his leadership proved invaluable as he guided SRH to their first IPL final in eight years.
Sam Curran – ₹18.50 Crore
England all-rounder Sam Curran became the costliest buy of the IPL 2023 mini auction after his heroics in the T20 World Cup 2022, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
The bidding escalated rapidly with Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Punjab Kings all in contention. Punjab Kings eventually clinched Curran for ₹18.50 crore. While his bowling returns were modest, his lower-order batting impact earned him retention and even the captaincy in the following season.
Cameron Green – ₹17.50 Crore
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green emerged as one of the most sought-after players at the IPL 2023 mini auction. With Mumbai Indians searching for a dynamic all-rounder after releasing Hardik Pandya earlier, they went all out for Green.
A heated contest involving RCB and Delhi Capitals pushed the price sky-high before MI sealed the deal at ₹17.50 crore—their biggest-ever auction outlay. Green repaid the faith with a stellar season, scoring 452 runs at a strike rate of 160.28, including a match-winning century that powered MI into the playoffs.
Ben Stokes – ₹16.25 Crore
England’s Test captain Ben Stokes also benefited from the IPL 2023 mini auction, with franchises viewing him as both a match-winner and a potential leader. Teams such as RCB, Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, and SRH fought hard before Chennai Super Kings (CSK) entered late and secured him for ₹16.25 crore.
Unfortunately, injuries hampered Stokes’ IPL stint. He managed to play only two matches that season, scoring 15 runs and bowling just one over, and has not featured in the IPL since.
Chris Morris – ₹16.25 Crore
South African all-rounder Chris Morris became the most expensive player in IPL history at the time during the IPL 2021 auction. Released by RCB ahead of the season, Morris attracted a fierce bidding war between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals.
RR eventually signed him for ₹16.25 crore, setting a new benchmark. Morris delivered a respectable season with 15 wickets in 11 matches, though his batting returns were limited. Despite the record price, it turned out to be his final IPL season.
Mini Auction, Mega Drama
These cases underline why the IPL mini auction is anything but “mini.” With limited slots and specific team needs, franchises often gamble big on select players—sometimes reaping rewards, sometimes learning costly lessons. As IPL 2026 approaches, fans can once again expect high drama, surprise bids, and record-breaking moments when the hammer comes down in Abu Dhabi.
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