IPL Auction: Green Tipped to Be Biggest Buy, But Spending Cap Limits Fee to INR 18 Crore

IPL Auction: Green Tipped to Be Biggest Buy, But Spending Cap Limits Fee to INR 18 Crore

Overseas players have historically dominated the big-money headlines at IPL mini auctions, and Cameron Green is widely expected to continue that trend at the December 16 event. However, even if bidding soars, the Australian allrounder will not receive more than INR 18 crore because of the league’s recently introduced “maximum fee” rule.

Green is among the most sought-after names this year, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—the two franchises with the largest remaining purses (INR 64.3 crore and INR 43.4 crore respectively)—likely to engage in an aggressive bidding battle.

The IPL has seen record-breaking purchases in recent mini auctions. In 2023, Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in IPL history when KKR bought him for INR 24.75 crore, moments after Pat Cummins was snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20.5 crore, the first time a player crossed the INR 20-crore threshold. Both deals surpassed the INR 18.5 crore Punjab Kings spent on Sam Curran in the 2023 mini auction.

Green himself fetched INR 17.5 crore at the 2023 auction when Mumbai Indians (MI) bought him as the second-most expensive signing of the event. A year later, MI traded him to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the same amount. Across his two IPL seasons (2023 and 2024), Green has played 29 matches, scoring 707 runs at a strike rate of 153.70. He has listed himself at the maximum base price of INR 2 crore for this year’s auction.

Maximum-Fee Rule Caps Overseas Players at INR 18 Crore

Despite the possibility of intense bidding, Green’s actual payout cannot exceed INR 18 crore, even if the winning bid is higher. Under the maximum-fee rule introduced before the 2024 season, overseas players registered exclusively for mini auctions cannot be paid more than the highest retention slab, set at INR 18 crore.

The regulation was designed to prevent overseas players from exploiting limited supply during mini auctions. If the winning bid surpasses the cap, the extra amount is deducted from the franchise purse but diverted to the BCCI, which will use it for player welfare programs.

An IPL note to teams last year clarified:

  • The player continues to be auctioned normally until sold, and the full bid amount counts against the team purse.

  • The player receives only the capped amount (INR 18 crore or lower, depending on the highest mega-auction price bracket).

  • The incremental amount beyond that cap is transferred to the BCCI.

The rule applies only to overseas players. Indian players will continue to receive the full bid amount.

Auction Overview

This year’s mini auction features 77 available slots, including 31 for overseas players. The longlist also contains 16 capped Indian players, with the final shortlist to be confirmed after franchises submit their selections by December 5.

With two cash-rich franchises ready to spend big and a cap limiting what Green can actually earn, the December 16 auction promises both high drama and significant financial strategy.