Since its introduction in 2008, the IPL (Indian Premier League) has provided a huge platform not only to Indian players (international as well as domestic players) but also to foreign players an opportunity to showcase their skills, helping them gain recognition globally.
IPL is the richest league in the Sporting world, surpassing the likes of the English Premier League and the NBA. Like the Indian players, it has helped foreign players earn big bucks too.
In this piece, we will discuss the ten overseas players who have been the most expensive foreign players in the league’s history. You can find the overall list including the Indian players here.
These players gained the spotlight due to their skills and talent, helping them get high-pay packages from the franchises.
Let’s analyse the salaries of these overseas players in detail.
#10 Nicholas Pooran (SRH – 10.75 crores in 2022) / Wanindu Hasaranga (RCB -10.75 crores in 2022) / Glenn Maxwell (RCB – 10.75 crores in 2020)
The West Indian cricketer Nicholas Pooran was bought for a sum of INR 10.75 crores for the 2022 IPL by Sunrisers Hyderabad despite his below-par performances for Punjab Kings in the 2021 season. The Trinidian’s price surprised almost everyone at that time.
Over the last couple of years, the Sri Lankan bowler Wanindu Hasaranga has impressed with his variations in all forms of the game, especially the T20 format. The all-rounder, who can also be a handy batter, was also the target of other franchises in the 2022 Auction, but Royal Challengers Bangalore bought him for a sum of INR 10.75 crores.
Glenn Maxwell was bought for a price of INR 10.75 crores in 2020 by RCB. The valuable Australian all-rounder is an equally good fielder as cover fielder and boundary-rider.
#9 Liam Livingstone (PBKS – 11.5 crores in 2022)
Livingstone can be effective with his leg spin as well as off-spin. The all-rounder possesses variations and uses his fingers to good effect. Livingstone can be a powerful hitter when it comes to his batting. In short, he is a match-winner in every department. Punjab Kings managed to buy him for a sum of INR 11.5 crores for the 2022 season.
#8 Tymal Mills (RCB – 12 crores in 2017)
After some impressive performances in the 2016-17 BBL season, the left-arm pacer was the centre of attraction for every franchise. Mills can generate enough pace and call bowl fast full-length deliveries. He was bought for a sum of INR 12 crores by Royal Challengers Bangalore for the 2017 season, making him the second highest expensive foreign player after his English teammate Ben Stokes.
#7 Ben Stokes (RR – 12.5 crores in 2018)
The England all-rounder was the most expensive foreign player for two back-to-back seasons. He was bought for a sum of INR 14.5 crores by Rising Pune Supergiants for the 2017 season, while in 2018, he was bought for a sum of INR 12.5 crores by Rajasthan Royals.
#6 Jhye Richardson (PBKS – 14 crores in 2021)
The Australian pacer’s performances in the Big Bash League caught everyone’s eye, yet it surprised everyone, including Jhye Richardson, when he was bought for a huge sum. Punjab Kings bought Richardson for INR 14 crores for the 2021 season.
#5 Glenn Maxwell (RCB – 14.25 crores in 2021)
Maxwell’s performance was below par in the 2020 season, yet he was retained by RCB for INR 14.25 crores. His capabilities as a match-winner in all departments can’t be undermined. Maxwell can change the outcome of a game with his destructive hitting and his ability to pick wickets during the run of play with his clever off breaks.
#4 Ben Stokes (RPSG – 14.5 crores in 2017)
Ben Stokes, easily one of the best all-rounders in the sport of Cricket in current times, was bought for a sum of INR 14.5 crores by Rising Pune Supergiants for the 2017 season.
#3 Kyle Jamieson (RCB – 15 crores in 2021)
The tall New Zealand pacer was another surprise inclusion bought for a hefty sum by Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the 2021 IPL season. Jamieson can be a threat due to his extra bounce on fast wickets and can be a penetrative option on seaming wickets.
#2 Pat Cummins (KKR – 15.5 crores in 2022)
Pat Cummins adds a lot of value in all departments. The Australian Test captain can be a threat with his seaming deliveries and surprise with his speed. Kolkata Knight Riders managed to buy him for a hefty sum of 15.5 crores after a close fight with other franchises. Cummins can also be a handy batter lower down the order.
#1 Chris Morris (RR – 16.25 crores in 2021)
Chris Morris was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the 2021 season despite performing well with the bat and the ball during the 2020 season. Rajasthan Royals bid aggressively for Morris and got him in their dugout ahead of the 2021 season for an INR 16.25 crores. The Proteas all-rounder had this knack of picking crucial wickets with his deceptive length and was a handy batter lower down the order.
