IPL Auction 2026: Cameron Green Becomes Most Expensive Overseas Buy, Pathirana Hits Jackpot

The IPL auction 2026 turned into a night of record-breaking bids and dramatic turnarounds as Australian all-rounder Cameron Green emerged as the most expensive overseas player in IPL history, while Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana enjoyed a massive windfall, underlining the league’s continued appetite for elite all-rounders and death-over specialists.

Cameron Green, one of the most sought-after names in modern T20 cricket, sparked a fierce bidding war among multiple franchises before being snapped up for a record-breaking price, eclipsing previous overseas auction highs. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, combined with his athleticism and calm temperament, made him a prized asset for teams looking to balance their playing XI.

Franchise officials cited Green’s consistent performances across formats, adaptability to Indian conditions, and proven IPL experience as key reasons behind the aggressive bidding. At just 26, Green is viewed as a long-term investment capable of anchoring innings, accelerating when required, and delivering crucial overs with the ball.

While Green grabbed headlines, Matheesha Pathirana’s auction journey was equally compelling. The Sri Lankan fast bowler, often dubbed the “baby Malinga” for his slingy action, attracted strong interest thanks to his deadly yorkers and composure in pressure situations.

Pathirana’s price surged rapidly as franchises looked to strengthen their death bowling, a critical component in modern T20 cricket. His final auction value marked a significant leap from previous seasons, making it one of the biggest paydays of his career.

Experts believe Pathirana’s rise reflects the IPL’s growing focus on specialist bowlers who can control the final overs, especially on batting-friendly pitches where margins are slim.

The IPL auction 2026 highlighted several broader trends shaping team strategies:

For franchises, the record bids underline the high stakes of squad-building ahead of the 2026 season. Teams are betting that players like Green and Pathirana can deliver match-winning performances consistently across the long tournament.

From a broader perspective, the auction reinforced the IPL’s status as the most lucrative and competitive T20 league in the world, where performances on the field directly translate into soaring market value.

The IPL auction 2026 will be remembered for Cameron Green’s historic rise as the costliest overseas player ever and Matheesha Pathirana’s career-defining payday. As franchises finalize their squads, all eyes will now turn to how these marquee signings perform when the season begins, carrying the weight of expectations and record price tags into the world’s biggest T20 stage.