Indian Premier League or IPL is always a playground for high-stakes cricket, and with it comes jaw-dropping player contracts. Since its inception in 2008, franchises have spared no expense to secure elite talent both Indian and international.
Biggest IPL Contracts in history, ranked from the highest
1. Rishabh Pant – ₹27 crore
Team: Lucknow Super Giants
Year: 2025
During the 2025 mega auction, Rishabh Pant broke all records with a ₹27 crore signing, making him the costliest player in IPL history. Even after his fitness issues following a grave car accident, Lucknow Super Giants took a calculated gamble. While he did show flashes of brilliance with a century, an average below 25 left fans and pundits yearning for more. This signing still tops the list of the Biggest IPL Contracts ever,
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2. Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 crore
Team: Punjab Kings
Year: 2025
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Having played for Delhi Capitals and KKR, Shreyas Iyer was picked up by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore, and they hoped he would guide them to their first title. He made the huge outlay worth it by emerging as the team’s leading scorer and taking his side to the IPL final. Although they lost, his leadership and consistency made the tag worth it.
3. Mitchell Starc – ₹24.75 crore
Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
Year: 2024
The costliest overseas player in IPL history, Mitchell Starc, at last signed for a whole season in 2024 — and KKR exploited it to the full. Starc’s ₹24.75 crore deal was all over the news, and while his impact was more of a support act than a starring role, it assisted KKR in winning their third IPL championship.
4. Venkatesh Iyer – ₹23.75 crore
Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
Year: 2025
Venkatesh Iyer made a breakthrough in the 2025 season and earned a mind-boggling ₹23.75 crore deal with KKR. Though his beginning was encouraging, his form slipped halfway through, and he couldn’t quite meet expectations regularly. Nevertheless, with a multi-year deal, the franchise will be hoping for a return to form in 2026.
5. Pat Cummins – ₹20.50 crore
Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Year: 2024
Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain, made huge headlines in 2024 when Sunrisers Hyderabad shelled ₹20.50 crore for his services. His leadership, bowling prowess, and capability to contribute with the bat were major points of attraction. Though SRH didn’t lift the trophy, Cummins’ presence ensured stability and star power.
6. Sam Curran – ₹18.50 crore
Team: Punjab Kings
Year: 2023
No English cricketer has been commanded a larger IPL price than Sam Curran, whose ₹18.50 crore Punjab Kings contract in 2023 is still one of the largest IPL deals for a foreign all-rounder. With Curran being able to bat as well as bowl under pressure, he is a keystone player in franchise cricket.
7. Arshdeep Singh – ₹18.50 crore
Team: Punjab Kings
Year: 2025
Completing the list of the Biggest IPL Contracts is left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who also earned ₹18.50 crore in 2025. Punjab made a big gamble on his speed and wicket-taking ability, and he did not disappoint with 21 wickets in 17 matches. While his economy rate of 8.88 surprised everyone, his contribution could not be denied.
| Rank | Player | Team | Price (INR) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹27 crore | 2025 |
| 2 | Shreyas Iyer | Punjab Kings | ₹26.75 crore | 2025 |
| 3 | Mitchell Starc | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹24.75 crore | 2024 |
| 4 | Venkatesh Iyer | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹23.75 crore | 2025 |
| 5 | Pat Cummins | Sunrisers Hyderabad | ₹20.50 crore | 2024 |
| 6 | Sam Curran | Punjab Kings | ₹18.50 crore | 2023 |
| 7 | Arshdeep Singh | Punjab Kings | ₹18.50 crore | 2025 |
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