By SportReport Team December 26, 2025
It’s IPL 2026 time. The IPL 2026 in Abu Dhabi has officially rewritten the history books. While many expected fireworks, nobody predicted the absolute bidding war that erupted for Australian sensation Cameron Green. When the hammer finally went down, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured the all-rounder for a staggering ₹25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history.
For fans tracking the auction buzz of IPL 2026 across platforms like sportsreport.in, CrickbuzzID, and other cricket communities, this was the moment that defined the night.
But behind the jaw-dropping headline number lies a complex BCCI regulation that means Green won’t actually receive the full amount. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the deal that has stunned the cricketing world — and sparked debate across forums ranging from traditional sports media to popular fan hubs such as Reddy Anna, MahadevBook, Lotus365, and Laser247.
The Bidding War: KKR vs the Rest
The atmosphere at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, was electric when Cameron Green’s name was announced. With a base price of ₹2 crore, the bidding rapidly escalated into a fierce three-way contest between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Kolkata Knight Riders.
KKR, advised by mentor Andre Russell, who recently transitioned into a coaching role, were desperate for a like-for-like successor to the Jamaican legend. They pushed past Mitchell Starc’s previous overseas record of ₹24.75 crore, finally sealing the deal at ₹25.20 crore.
Cricket fans following live updates on sportsreport.in and discussion platforms like CrickbuzzID witnessed one of the most dramatic auction moments in IPL history.
Top 3 Most Expensive IPL Players Ever
| Player | Team | Price | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | LSG | ₹27.00 Cr | 2025 |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | ₹26.75 Cr | 2025 |
| Cameron Green | KKR | ₹25.20 Cr | 2026 |
The “₹18 Crore” Twist: Why Green Gets Less
Despite the record bid, Cameron Green will receive only ₹18 crore as his actual salary. The reason lies in the BCCI’s Maximum Fee Rule, which applies specifically to mini-auctions.
The Rule Explained
To control salary inflation and protect the value of retained Indian stars, the BCCI capped overseas player earnings in mini-auctions. An overseas player’s salary cannot exceed:
- The highest retention fee (₹18 crore), or
- The highest overseas bid from the previous mega-auction
— whichever is lower.
Where Does the Extra ₹7.20 Crore Go?
While KKR’s auction purse is deducted by the full ₹25.20 crore, the excess ₹7.20 crore is redirected to the BCCI Player Welfare Fund, ensuring long-term benefits for domestic and retired players.
This technicality has been widely discussed not just in mainstream media but also in cricket-focused circles and online betting communities like MahadevBook, Lotus365, and Laser247, where auction strategies are closely analyzed.
Why KKR Bet Big on Green in IPL 2026
Critics — including former Australia coach Ricky Ponting — have questioned the hefty price tag given Green’s recent Ashes form. However, KKR’s long-term vision is clear.
The Post-Russell Era
With Andre Russell stepping into a mentorship role, KKR needed a dynamic all-rounder who could dominate with both bat and ball.
Top-Order Stability
Green is expected to slot in at No. 3, providing stability and firepower ahead of finishers like Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh.
Deadly Pace Combination
Paired with fellow big signing Matheesha Pathirana (₹18 crore), KKR now boasts one of the most intimidating fast-bowling units in the league — a talking point across sportsreport.in and cricket analytics platforms alike.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2026
- Sunil Narine ✈️
- Ajinkya Rahane (C)
- Cameron Green ✈️
- Rinku Singh
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Ramandeep Singh
- Finn Allen (WK) ✈️
- Harshit Rana
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Matheesha Pathirana ✈️
- Akash Deep / Vaibhav Arora
Final Verdict of IPL 2026
The ₹25.20 crore bid is a bold statement from the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise. KKR entered the auction with the biggest purse and walked away with the biggest headline. Whether Cameron Green can justify the tag of most expensive overseas player remains to be seen — but there’s no doubt the move has elevated expectations for IPL 2026.
From mainstream coverage on sportsreport.in to analysis discussions across platforms like CrickbuzzID, Reddy Anna, MahadevBook, Lotus365, and Laser247, one thing is clear:
IPL 2026 just became unmissable.
Stay tuned to sportsreport.in for exclusive IPL updates, tactical breakdowns, squad analysis, and breaking cricket news.