IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Top 5 most expensive overseas buys

On November 25, the two-day Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, came to an end. During the historic event, all ten franchises engaged in fierce bidding wars to create balanced squads for the upcoming seasons.

The IPL 2025 mega auction was dominated by Indian players, with Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive player in IPL history after joining the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 27 crores.

Three well-known Indian players were purchased by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a substantial sum of money: Yuzvendra Chahal (INR 18 crores), Arshdeep Singh (INR 18 crores), and Shreyas Iyer (INR 26.75 crores).

The franchises took a more cautious stance towards foreign players this time around, in contrast to the previous auction when Australian fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins both sold for over INR 20 crores. While none of the overseas players fetched over INR 20 crore, a few of them were able to have a nice pay day at the auction.

In light of this, let's examine the top five most costly foreign purchases made at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

5. Mitchell Starc – INR 11.75 crores, Delhi Capitals

Mitchell Starc, who was the most costly player at the IPL 2024 auction, sold for INR 11.75 crores this time. Despite being the fifth most expensive foreign player in this year's mega auction, Starc received a huge pay cut of INR 13 crores as the Delhi Capitals purchased him for INR 11.75 crores.

In 14 games, Starc claimed 17 wickets at an average of 26 while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 IPL

4. Jofra Archer – INR 12.5 crores, Rajasthan Royals

Jofra Archer, who has missed a lot of action due to injuries over the past three years, will make his IPL comeback in 2025. Following a fierce bidding battle with the Mumbai Indians, Archer was purchased by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 12.5 crores.

In 35 IPL games, Archer has claimed 46 wickets. He played for RR and won Player of the Tournament in the IPL 2020.

3. Josh Hazlewood – INR 12.5 crores, Royal Challengers Bengaluru

 For the 2025 IPL season, Josh Hazlewood, a lanky Australian fast bowler, will play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). After beating the Mumbai Indians and the Lucknow Super Giants in a bidding war, RCB acquired Hazlewood for INR 12.5 crores.

Hazlewood played for RCB in the 2022 and 2023 season. He will give RCB's fast bowling attack the much-needed discipline it needs. 

2. Trent Boult – INR 12.5 crores, Mumbai Indians

Trent Boult will represent Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 as he was signed by the five-time champions for INR 12.5 crores. During the 2020 and 2021 IPL seasons, Boult was a member of the MI lineup.

Having taken 38 wickets in 29 games for MI, the left-arm pacer has an outstanding record. Boult’s return to MI means he will once again partner with Jasprit Bumrah, forming one of the best pace duos in the competition.

1. Jos Buttler – INR 15.75 crores, Gujarat Titans

Jos Buttler, the captain of England's white-ball team, was the most expensive overseas player at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The Gujarat Titans, the IPL 2022 winners, paid INR 15.75 crores for the English keeper-opener.

Buttler is anticipated to form one of the tournament's most formidable opening combinations with Shubman Gill at the top. During his IPL career, Buttler has amassed 3582 runs in 107 games at a strike rate of 148. He was also the leading run scorer during the 2022 season with 863 runs.

Cover Credits - IPL Official