Undoubtedly, the IPL Mini Auction is one of the most exciting events in cricket every year. Unlike the Mega Auction, where teams rebuild from scratch, the Mini Auction is all about sharp decisions and smart buying. Teams walk into the room with clear plans, fixed budgets, and a list of very specific needs. For this very reason, the Mini Auction often comes out with more drama, surprise bids, and record-breaking moments. Every season, franchises come into the Mini Auction looking to fill only a few gaps. But those few gaps are very important. Teams want match-winners, impact players, and cricketers who can change games on their own. Because of this, they sometimes do not hesitate to spend huge amounts of money on one or two major signings. These signings can change the team's balance, improve their weak areas, and even shift the direction of the whole season. A few have been in the headlines over the years, becoming the most expensive signing of a Mini Auction. Some were big superstars, while some were new names that would suddenly become the talking point in the cricket fraternity. Therein lies the unpredictability of the IPL and how one good bid can change a player's career. With that said, here is the list of the top 10 most expensive signings in the history of IPL Mini Auctions, along with the stories behind each purchase. Also Read | Young International Stars Who Could Spark a Bidding War at IPL 2026 Auction Most Expensive Signings in Every IPL Mini Auctions 2009 - Kevin Pietersen (RCB) & Andrew Flintoff (CSK) - INR 9.8 Crore Image Source: AFP/Getty Images The top two big names in the 2009 IPL Mini Auction fetched the same price to emerge as the joint-most expensive players of that season. Kevin Pietersen went to Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Andrew Flintoff was picked up by Chennai Super Kings. Both were among the biggest stars in world cricket at that time. Thus, it showed how much trust teams had in experienced overseas talent. It also presented a clear indication that the IPL was growing fast and attracting top international names in its ranks. 2010 - Shane Bond (KKR) & Kieron Pollard (MI) - INR 4.8 Crore Image Source: IPL The 2010 Mini Auction was a mix of speed and power. Kolkata Knight Riders bought Shane Bond, one of the quickest bowlers of his time. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians purchased Kieron Pollard, an emerging T20 star then, who was known to be a finisher with an imposing presence in the outfield. The identical price tags reflected different approaches: KKR wanted a strike bowler, while Mumbai wanted a game-changing all-rounder. 2012 - Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) - INR 12.8 Crore Image Source: AFP Ravindra Jadeja finally emerged as the costliest player of the mega auctions in 2012. The franchise Chennai Super Kings fought quite hard to get him, showcasing their belief in his all-round skills. At that time, Jadeja was developing fast as a three-dimensional player. His ability to bat, bowl, and field at the top level made him a must-have for a franchise looking for balance. Also Read | 5 Bowling All-Rounders Who Could Be Steal Buys in the IPL 2026 Auction 2013 - Glenn Maxwell (MI) - INR 6.3 Crore Image Source: BCCI Glenn Maxwell's aggressive batting and the ability to play spin made him the top pick of the 2013 Mini Auction. Mumbai Indians saw his potential to turn games with quick runs. Maxwell was still on the rise in world cricket, but the teams knew his fearless style could bring big results in the T20 format. His arrival also signaled the start of franchises seeking out impact players who could turn the momentum in an instant. 2015 - Yuvraj Singh (DD) - INR 16 Crore Image Source: BCCI The Delhi Daredevils bought Yuvraj Singh for INR 16 crore at the 2015 IPL Mini Auction in a historic moment. Back then, it was one of the biggest bids in IPL history. Teams wanted a proven Indian match-winner, and Yuvraj's experience made him one of the most trusted names. His ability to hit big shots and perform under pressure made him the focus of a massive bidding war. 2016 - Shane Watson (RCB) - INR 9.5 Crore Image Source: BCCI Royal Challengers Bangalore went big for Shane Watson in 2016. Watson had power hitting, medium pace bowling, and strong leadership. He was the perfect fit for a team looking to get balance into their side. His ability to perform in both departments made him a premium all-rounder and one of the biggest names in T20 cricket. This signing showed how much teams value multi-skilled players. Also Read | IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: 3 Players Who Could Become the Costliest Buys 2017 - Ben Stokes (RPSG) - INR 14.5 Crore Image Source: BCCI Ben Stokes set new expectations when Rising Pune Supergiant bought him for INR 14.5 crore. Stokes, known to perform on the big stages, along with his all-round ability, made him one of the most potent players in the auction. This signing is remembered as one of the most impactful Mini Auction moments. Stokes proved why teams were willing to spend such a large amount on him. 2019 - Varun Chakravarthy (KXIP) and Jaydev Unadkat (RR) - INR 8.4 Crore Image Source: Sportzpics/IPL In the 2019 season, two players shared the highest price tag. Varun Chakravarthy, an uncapped mystery spinner, was the big surprise of the auction. Jaydev Unadkat attracted big bids, too, for his good work as a domestic performer. Their equal price underlined how teams often look for either new mystery bowlers or experienced Indian pacers to strengthen their squads. 2020 - Pat Cummins (KKR) - INR 15.5 Crore Image Source: BCCI Pat Cummins was one of the premier fast bowlers in the world at the 2020 Mini Auction. Kolkata Knight Riders went for him big and picked him for INR 15.5 crore. His pace, accuracy, and the ability to take wickets made him a prime signing. Teams knew that a strong strike bowler would make that difference between winning and losing on several tight occasions, and Cummins was the perfect answer. Also Read | 3 Reasons Why Josh Inglis May Go Unsold in IPL 2026 Auction 2021 - Chris Morris (RR) - INR 16.25 Crore Image Source: IPL Chris Morris became the most expensive IPL player ever at that time when Rajasthan Royals bought him for INR 16.25 crore. Morris was valued for his fast bowling, lower-order hitting, and proven skill at the death overs. Even though injuries affected his availability at times, teams still viewed him as a game-changing asset. 2023 - Sam Curran (PBKS) - INR 18.5 Crore Image Source: Ashish Raje Sam Curran broke all previous records in the Mini Auction that took place in 2023. He was bought by Punjab Kings for INR 18.5 crore after his fine show in the T20 World Cup. His left-arm swing, sharp hitting, and finishing ability made him the most sought-after all-rounder this season. 2024 - Mitchell Starc (KKR) - INR 24.75 Crore Image Source: BCCI Mitchell Starc created history in 2024 when Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for a whopping INR 24.75 crore to make him the most expensive IPL player of all time (till 2024). His unmatched pace, swing, and record in big tournaments made him the top attraction of the auction.