IPL Trade: Top 5 Most Expensive Trade Deals in IPL History

Over one month has passed since the end of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 and the franchises have already started preparing for the next edition in 2026. There are several reports coming where some big players of their franchise are likely to get traded ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Usually, the franchises pick players during an IPL auction which takes place three to four months prior to the start of the tournament. However, before the auction takes place, the franchises also get a chance to trade some of their players either in cash deal or player to player trade. Now, as it has been more than one month after the end of IPL 2025, the trading window is now open for all the 10 franchises and will go on till one week left for the auction.

Throughout the years, there have been several players who were traded before the IPL auction and their trade went on to shock everyone.The franchises had to spend a huge amount to get their favourite player in the squad through trade ahead of the auction. In the following listicle, we will have a look at the top five most expensive trades in the history of the IPL.

Here's a look at the top five most expensive trade deals in Indian Premier League history:

1. Cameron Green: MI to RCB in 2024, INR 17.5 crore

The most expensive trade deal in the IPL history was for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. Green was a part of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023 and had a good outing in the season as he scored 452 runs from 16 matches at an average of 50.22 and a strike rate of 160.28.

However, MI still let go of Green as he was traded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2024 auction for a whopping INR 17.5 crore. It was an all cash deal as RCB got Cameron Green in their squad for INR 17.5 Crore. It turned out to be an in and out season for Green ass he amassed 255 runs with bat and also took 10 wickets with the ball that year.

2. Hardik Pandya: GT to MI in 2024, INR 15 Crore

Hardik Pandya’s homecoming in Mumbai Indians was not only the second most expensive trade deal in IPL history but also turned out to be the most controversial deal in the history of the tournament. After playing for MI for seven years from 2015 to 2021, Pandya moved to Gujarat Titans who made their debut in IPL 2022. Pandya was appointed as captain of GT and led the franchise to the title in its very first season. Under Pandya’s leadership, GT also finished as the runners-up in IPL 2023.

Looking at GT’s success in its first two years under Hardik Pandya, the star all-rounder was being looked at as a crucial player for the franchise. However, things changed when Mumbai Indians announced the arrival of Pandya back in their squad ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. GT traded Pandya back to MI for a whopping INR 15 crore. This was one the most controversial and talked about trade deals in IPL history as no one would have thought that Pandya could leave GT after the first two he had with the franchise. As the fans were coping with that news, MI announced Pandya as their captain ahead of IPL 2024 replacing Rohit Sharma who led the franchise to five IPL titles under his captaincy.

3. Shardul Thakur: DC to KKR in 2023, INR 10.75 Crore

One of the most expensive trade deals in the IPL history was when Shardul Thakur moved from Delhi Capitals (DC) to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Thakur, who has played for multiple franchises in his IPL career so far, was a part of DC in IPL 2022. He took 15 wickets from 14 matches in that edition and also scored 120 runs with the bat.

After the end of the season, DC traded Shardul Thakur to Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 10.75 Crore ahead of IPL 2023 auction. However, it turned out to be a profitable deal for KKR as Thakut couldn’t make much impact with his performance in that edition.

4. Lockie Ferguson: GT to KKR in 2023, INR 10 Crore

It was a player to player deal where Gujarat Titans traded Lockie Ferguson to Kolkata Knight Riders in exchange of Rahmanullah Gurbaz ahead of IPL 2023. Ferguson was a part of GT in IPL 2022 and took 12 wickets from 13 matches in that season and played a crucial role in the franchise's title campaign.

However, GT decided to let go of Lockie Ferguson as they traded him to Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 10 Crore ahead of IPL 2023. In exchange, KKR traded Rahmanullah Gurbaz to GT for the same amount.

5. Avesh Khan: LSG to RR in 2024, INR 10 Crore

Avesh Khan was a part of Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022 and 2023 and has good stint with the franchise for two years taking 26 wickets from 22 matches in both the seasons combined. However, LSG decided to trade Avesh to Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2024 as RR offered Devdutt Padikkal.

It was a player to player deal as both the players were traded for INR 10 Crore. However, after one season with RR, the franchise released Avesh ahead of IPL 2025 and LSG bought him back for INR 9.75 crore in the mega auction.

List of Most Expensive Trade Deals in IPL History

FAQs

Q1. What is the biggest trade in IPL history?

A. Hardik Pandya’s trade from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians is regarded as the biggest trade deal in the IPL history.

Q2. Which is the most expensive IPL team by valuation?

A. In terms of money, the biggest trade deal in IPL was off Cameron Green as the Australian all-rounder was traded from Mumbai Indians to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 17.5 Crore ahead of IPL 2024.

Q3. What is IPL trading window?

A. The IPL trading window is for a particular period after the end of the IPL season ahead of the auction. After the auction as well, the franchises are allowed to trade players for a particular period ahead of the start of the next IPL season.