Since its inception in 2008, the IPL (Indian Premier League) has provided a huge platform not only for Indian players (both international and domestic), but also for foreign players to showcase their skills and gain global recognition.
The IPL is the richest league in the world, surpassing the English Premier League and the NBA. It has helped foreign players earn big bucks, just like it has helped Indian players.
In this article, we will look at the ten most expensive foreign players in the league’s history. The complete list, including Indian players, can be found here.
These players rose to prominence as a result of their abilities and talent, which helped them land high-paying contracts with the franchises.
Let’s take a closer look at the pay packages of these international players.
#10 Nicholas Pooran (SRH – 10.75 crores in 2022) / Wanindu Hasaranga (RCB -10.75 crores in 2022) / Glenn Maxwell (RCB – 10.75 crores in 2020)
Sunrisers Hyderabad paid INR 10.75 crores for West Indian cricketer Nicholas Pooran for the 2022 IPL season, despite his poor performance for Punjab Kings in the previous season. The Trinidian’s price at the time surprised almost everyone.
Wanindu Hasaranga, a Sri Lankan bowler, has impressed with his variations in all forms of the game, particularly the T20 format, in recent years. The all-rounder, who can also bat, was a target for other franchises in the 2022 Auction, but Royal Challengers Bangalore snatched him up for INR 10.75 crores.
Glenn Maxwell was purchased by RCB in 2020 for INR 10.75 crores. The valuable Australian all-rounder is an excellent fielder who can also cover field and ride the boundary.
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#9 Liam Livingstone (PBKS – 11.5 crores in 2022)
Livingstone’s leg spin and off-spin are both effective. The all-rounder is versatile and makes good use of his fingers. When it comes to batting, Livingstone has the potential to be a powerful hitter. In a nutshell, he is a match-winner in every aspect. Punjab Kings acquired him for INR 11.5 crores for the 2022 season.
#8 Tymal Mills (RCB – 12 crores in 2017)
The left-arm pacer was the centre of attention for every franchise after some impressive performances in the 2016-17 BBL season. Mills has the ability to generate enough speed and call bowl fast full-length deliveries. He was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 12 crores for the 2017 season, making him the second most expensive foreign player after his English teammate Ben Stokes.
#7 Ben Stokes (RR – 12.5 crores in 2018)
For two consecutive seasons, the England all-rounder was the most expensive foreign player. Rising Pune Supergiants purchased him for INR 14.5 crores for the 2017 season, and Rajasthan Royals purchased him for INR 12.5 crores in 2018.
#6 Jhye Richardson (PBKS – 14 crores in 2021)
The Australian pacer’s performances in the Big Bash League drew everyone’s attention, but it surprised everyone, including Jhye Richardson, when he was purchased for a large sum. Richardson was signed by Punjab Kings for INR 14 crores for the 2021 season.
#5 Glenn Maxwell (RCB – 14.25 crores in 2021)
Maxwell’s performance in the 2020 season was below par, but he was retained by RCB for INR 14.25 crores. His abilities as a match-winner in all departments are undeniable. Maxwell’s destructive hitting and ability to pick wickets during the run of play with his clever off breaks can change the outcome of a game.
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#4 Ben Stokes (RPSG – 14.5 crores in 2017)
Rising Pune Supergiants purchased Ben Stokes for INR 14.5 crores for the 2017 season, making him one of the best all-rounders in the game today.
#3 Kyle Jamieson (RCB – 15 crores in 2021)
The tall New Zealand pacer was another surprise addition purchased by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a large sum ahead of the 2021 IPL season. Jamieson, with his extra bounce, can be a threat on fast wickets and a penetrative option on seaming wickets.
#2 Pat Cummins (KKR – 15.5 crores in 2022)
Pat Cummins adds significant value across the board. With his seaming deliveries and surprising speed, the Australian Test captain can be a threat. After a close battle with other franchises, Kolkata Knight Riders were able to acquire him for a hefty sum of 15.5 crores. Cummins can also be a useful batter down the order.
#1 Chris Morris (RR – 16.25 crores in 2021)
Despite performing well with the bat and the ball during the 2020 season, Chris Morris was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the 2021 season. The Rajasthan Royals made an aggressive bid for Morris and secured his services ahead of the 2021 season for INR 16.25 crores. The Proteas all-rounder was a handy batter lower down the order and had a knack for picking crucial wickets with his deceptive length.