The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved over the years in different aspects, starting from the power-packed performances to the craziest auction bids. The franchises target certain players during the auction and go all out for them. Over the past few years, the auctions have become quite enjoyable for the fans because of the bidding war that happens at the table.
The cash-rich league features over 200+ players in one season, giving them a set platform to showcase their talent. Also, the whopping amount of money invested in some players encourages others to perform well and get noticed by the owners. In this article, we will talk about the players who have been the most overpaid in the history of the league and whether the prices paid were worth it.
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Here are the top five most overpaid players in IPL history
5. Ben Stokes/Chris Morris – INR 16.25 crores
In 2023, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) invested an amount of INR 16.25 crores in the England team’s captain, Ben Stokes, with the hope of a good performance from the player. However, Stokes, known for his all-round game, sustained a knee injury mid-season and was ruled out of the tournament. He just played two games and was highly ineffective in them. Despite not having their highest buy with them, CSK managed to lift their 5th title in the league.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) bought South African all-rounder Chris Morris for INR 16.25 crores in the IPL 2021, who did not give them the expected results in that season. He played in 11 games, got 15 scalps with the ball, and amassed just 67 runs. Neither did he contribute with the bat nor with the ball. Moreover, that was the last season he was featured in the tournament.
4. Cameron Green – INR 17.50
Mumbai Indians (MI) went after Cameron Green in the auction in 2023 and bought him for INR 17.50 crores. To everyone’s surprise, Green played in the entire season (16 matches) and scored 452 runs at an average of 50.22. It was his debut year in the IPL, and he announced himself in style. The player also claimed six wickets with the ball in the season.
However, his next season with the RCB wasn’t that impressive. He was transferred to RCB from MI before the start of the season. He did play in 13 games and could only score 255 runs at an average of 31.87. With the ball, he could only manage to take ten wickets.
3. Sam Curran – INR 18.50 crores
England’s all-rounder Sam Curran was bought by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2023 at INR 18.50 crores. Interestingly, he was the most overpaid player in that season and didn’t perform throughout the tournament. With the bat, he scored just 276 runs in 14 games at an average of 27.60, and with the ball, he could claim ten scalps.
Sam Curran started his IPL career with the PBKS in 2019 and wasn’t very impressive as an all-rounder. But as the years passed, the player lost his way in the league. However, he did make a stunning comeback in 2024 for the same team, where he scored 270 runs with the bat and claimed 16 wickets with the ball. In this season, the player is with his former team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
2. Pat Cummins – INR 20.50
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) went all in for Australian skipper Pat Cummins in the auction that happened right after the ODI World Cup 2023. The player was bought at an amount of INR 20.50 crores. It was all worth it, as he claimed 18 wickets in the season and also scored 136 runs.
Moreover, he also took the team to the finals but lost against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was a major factor in SRH’s qualification for the finals, as his captaincy skills are top-notch. Cummins has been a part of the league since 2014 and has played with different franchises.
1. Mitchell Starc – INR 24.75 crores
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) broke the record in 2024 by buying Mitchell Starc for a mammoth amount of INR 24.75 crores. It was an unexpected move from the franchise, but after the ODI World Cup in 2023, Starc was in solid form. To everyone’s surprise, the player performed well in the tournament as well.
He claimed 17 wickets in 14 matches and was a part of the winning team. However, KKR let him go after that season, and now he is a part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025. In two games, he has already taken eight wickets.
