IPL Auction: How Cameron Green Struck Gold In Abu Dhabi

The IPL auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday was led by one name and that was Cameron Green. The Australian all-rounder became the biggest draw of the day after his name triggered a bidding contest among teams.

Franchises pushed hard for the 26-year-old, with the price rising quickly. Kolkata Knight Riders signed Green for Rs25.20 crore ($2.8 million), making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. The bidding showed how much teams value players who can contribute in more than one role.

Green is known for his versatility. He is a powerful batter who can play in the top or middle order. He also offers a seam-bowling option. This gives teams flexibility when selecting their playing XI.

The contest for Green reflected a wider pattern at the auction. Teams showed strong interest in players who offer more than one skill, as they look to stay competitive across long IPL seasons.

CSK's twin big buys

While Green grabbed attention, Chennai Super Kings were among the most decisive teams on the floor. CSK signed Prashanth Veer and Kartik Sharma for Rs14.20 ($1.58m) crore each.

The back-to-back big buys stood out on a day when several franchises chose to bid cautiously due to limited budgets.

Chennai's approach was clear. Instead of spreading their money across several players, they focused on names they believe can step straight into the playing XI.

The moves also drew interest from fans, many of whom turned up at the venue wearing yellow jerseys. With senior players nearing the later stages of their careers, CSK appeared focused on staying competitive now while also preparing for the future.

RCB add Iyer for balance

Royal Challengers Bengaluru also made a key signing by bringing in Venkatesh Iyer for Rs7 crore ($780,000).

Iyer can contribute with both bat and ball. His experience in the IPL and ability to handle pressure may be among the reasons behind the move. The signing adds balance to an RCB side that has often relied heavily on specialist batters.

Steady action across teams

Beyond the headline deals, the auction saw steady activity throughout the day. A total of 77 players were sold, including 29 overseas players.

Several Indian domestic players found buyers, while some overseas cricketers were picked up at base prices. These signings offered value options for teams.

There were also surprises. Some well-known names went unsold in the early rounds before teams returned to fill specific needs during the accelerated sets. Bowlers, especially those with death-over skills or spin options, continued to attract interest.

From Delhi Capitals adding experience to Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad making value buys, most teams ended the auction feeling they had strengthened key areas.

As the auction ended, teams turned their focus to final combinations ahead of the next IPL season. While outcomes will only be known once matches begin, the auction once again showed how a single day can shape squads and expectations.

The 2026 edition of the world's richest T20 league starts on March 26.

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