IPL 2026 Auction Highlights: Major Player Transfers and Record Bids
Matheesha Pathirana Joins KKR for ₹18 Crore
During the IPL 2026 auction, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for an impressive ₹18 crore. The bidding commenced with Delhi Capitals (DC) showing interest, followed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) entering the competition. As the bids escalated, Pathirana's price reached ₹10.4 crore, and when it hit ₹15.8 crore, KKR made a decisive move, quickly raising their bid to ₹18 crore to secure the player. Pathirana has recorded 31 wickets in 21 T20 internationals at an average of 18.25, including two four-wicket hauls. In his T20 career, he has taken 133 wickets in 100 matches at an average of 21.40. In the IPL, he has claimed 47 wickets in 32 games, averaging over 21, with 12 wickets in the 2025 season across 13 matches.
Ravi Bishnoi Transferred to Rajasthan Royals
Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi was sold to Rajasthan Royals (RR) for ₹7.4 crore, significantly above his base price of ₹2 crore. The bidding was competitive, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), RR, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vying for his services. Ultimately, Bishnoi joined the Royals, having taken 61 T20I wickets in 42 matches at an average of 19.37, including two four-wicket hauls.
Jacob Duffy Acquired by RCB
In a notable acquisition, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured New Zealand's Jacob Duffy for ₹2 crore. Duffy has had an outstanding year, amassing 35 wickets in 21 matches at an average of over 15, including three four-wicket hauls. He leads international cricket in 2025 with 72 wickets in 35 matches at an average exceeding 17, featuring three four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls. Overall, Duffy has taken 178 wickets in 156 T20 matches at an average of over 24.
Cameron Green Sets Record with KKR
The IPL auction kicked off with excitement as Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was sold to KKR for a staggering ₹25.20 crore, making him the third-most expensive player in IPL history and the highest-priced overseas player ever. The bidding began fiercely between Rajasthan Royals and KKR, with the Royals dropping out around ₹13 crore. Chennai Super Kings then entered the fray, pushing the bid past ₹20 crore. CSK's bid of ₹25 crore was met with KKR's winning bid of ₹25.20 crore. Green has scored 521 runs in 21 T20I matches at an average of 32.56 and a strike rate of 160.30, including six fifties. In his T20 career, he has accumulated 1,334 runs in 63 matches at an average of 33.35, with a strike rate of 151.07, alongside 28 wickets. He previously played for Mumbai Indians and RCB in the IPL but missed last season's auction due to injury.