After an intense back-and-forth with Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, Cameron Green to KKR is officially sealed! Given that Kolkata Knight Riders were carrying the biggest purse among all ten franchises, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they went all out to secure the Australian all-rounder. KKR flexed their wallet, snapping up one of the most exciting overseas prospects in world cricket, and also make Green as the most expensive overseas player in IPL 2026.
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The Most Expensive Overseas Player in IPL History
Now, let’s talk numbers. Green went under the hammer for an eye-watering INR 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. Well… sort of. Thanks to the IPL’s new regulations, the maximum amount an overseas player can actually pocket is capped at INR 18 crore (around $2 million). Any extra funds beyond that go straight to the BCCI’s player development programme.
📽️ Cameron Green is a KNIGHT 💜
The all-rounder had the auction room buzzing 🔥
He becomes the most expensive overseas pick in the history of #TATAIPLAuction 😮👏#TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/DtB9aixO3o
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 16, 2025
So technically, KKR splurged like a billionaire, but Green’s bank account sees a more regulated figure. Still, it’s an impressive haul and cements him as a marquee figure in the KKR 2026 squad.
Cameron Green’s IPL Journey
For those who haven’t been following Green’s IPL journey, he’s already had stints with Mumbai Indians in 2023 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024. Across 29 IPL matches, he racked up 707 runs at an average of 41.59 and a strike rate of 153.70, including a memorable century.
Presenting Kolkata’s all-new GREEN initiative 😉💜 pic.twitter.com/1lBJ7NTNPx
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 16, 2025
On the bowling side, he’s chipped in 16 wickets at an economy of 9.07. Factor in roughly 90 international matches for Australia and over 3,000 runs and 70 wickets across formats, and you’ve got a player who can truly do it all. KKR clearly saw this value, and his addition to the KKR 2026 squad will give them both firepower and flexibility.
Role in the Team
Head coach Abhishek Nayar wasted no time outlining Green’s role.“Cameron Green to KKR will bat in the top three for us,” he announced, adding that Sunil Narine will no longer open. This is a clear shift in strategy, giving the Australian the license to dominate the powerplay and set the tone for the innings. Legendary spinner Anil Kumble also chipped in, suggesting that Green should play at either number one or three rather than as a finisher, given KKR already have strong finishers in Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, and Ramandeep Singh. “His biggest strength is making an impact with the new ball,” Kumble said.
First words from our 🆕 Knight 🎙️😍 pic.twitter.com/Qmg80QksXj
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 16, 2025
Naturally, KKR fans are buzzing. Green even shared a short video expressing his excitement. The enthusiasm is mutual, and with Cameron Green to KKR now a reality, the hype around the KKR 2026 squad is at an all-time high.
💰 INR 25.20 Crore 🤯🤯
The third most expensive player in the history of #TATAIPL auction! 🔨
Cameron Green will play for @KKRiders 💜#TATAIPLAuction pic.twitter.com/c0ErBPWHju
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 16, 2025
The deal has made history, surpassing the previous record held by Green’s teammate Mitchell Starc, who went for INR 24.75 crore last season. While the full amount isn’t directly in Green’s pocket due to the salary cap for overseas players, the headline number alone is enough to make headlines. Former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting even joked about it during commentary, highlighting just how astronomical the bid was.
Looking Ahead
KKR’s strategy is clear: secure top-order stability, add a power hitter, and build around a core of experienced finishers. With Green in the top three, the team can experiment with batting depth while also maintaining balance. “We were very keen, but not so attached,” said KKR MD Venky Mysore about the auction. It seems the franchise is confident that Green will be a cornerstone of their KKR 2026 squad without upsetting the team’s broader dynamics.
He 𝘾𝙖𝙢e, he saw, he’s ready to #KorboLorboJeetbo 👊💜 pic.twitter.com/9Omi7HyWAg
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 16, 2025
All in all, the combination of record-breaking figures, tactical clarity, and sheer star power makes this a very exciting time for KKR fans. With Cameron Green to KKR officially done and dusted, cricket enthusiasts can start dreaming about explosive powerplays, clutch performances, and perhaps a fourth IPL title next season. And let’s face it, having the most expensive overseas player in IPL history on your team certainly doesn’t hurt when it comes to building hype.
