The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has come to an end and the next season is still months away, but there is already a lot of talk about it and a part of it is because of the IPL trade window that opened just after the 2025 season, which is now in progress. The opening round of the window will be open until a week before the mini-auction of IPL 2026.
Through the trade window, teams are allowed to release players who are not needed and retain their best performers for the next season. Even before the mini-auction, some major trades have taken place, and before the retention deadline, let us take a look at the 6 most expensive trades in IPL history featuring Sanju Samson.
Most Expensive Trade Deals in IPL History
1. Sanju Samson: (RR to CSK) – 18 crores.
The trade saga of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026’s biggest ended with stunning news that Sanju Samson, the RR captain, was traded to the Chennai Super Kings the costliest deal in the tournament’s history. The franchise paid 18 crores to get the player and, in return, RR has taken Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
2. Cameron Green – (MI To RCB): 17.5 crores.
The Australian all-rounder, Cameron Green was part of the Mumbai Indians 2023 season and he did superbly during the season and even scored a marvelous century. RCB was toying with the idea of trying their luck since he was one of the MI’s finest that season.
It was an all-cash affair, RCB, the defending IPL champions, had to fork out 17.5 crores to MI for Green, which made the trade act the most expensive one in IPL history.
3. Hardik Pandya: (GT To MI) – 15 crores.
Hardik Pandya was one of the most controversial IPL trades of the last few years, he began his IPL career with the Mumbai Indians but in 2022, he was signed by the Gujarat Titans as their new captain.
Nevertheless, after two seasons, MI knocked, paid 15 crores, and Hardik therefore, the MI squad was strengthened once again as well as the second most expensive trade deal took place.
4. Shardul Thakur – DC To KKR (10.75 crore)
Kolkata Knight Riders took a chance and made up their minds to get the player before the 2023 IPL season. They got him from DC for a staggering 10.75 crore. Jokingly, his stay at the Riders was not so exciting, which is why the KKR was actually “haunted” by this transaction.
5. Lockie Ferguson – GT To KKR (10 crore)
Right before the 2022 season, Lockie Ferguson, a New Zealand fast bowler was picked up by the newbie Gujarat Titans. The franchise paid 10 million, yet, he was released before the next season as KKR was once again in the picture and acquired his talent. Notably, it was a player-for-player deal as KKR was ready to give up Rahmanullah Gurbaz in exchange.
6. Avesh Khan – LSG To RR (10 crore)
Before the 2024 season, the Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants trades involving Avesh Khan and Devdutt Padikkal. In 2022, LSG spent 10 crores to acquire Avesh and after a two-season stint, he moved to RR while Padikkal went the other way. However, just after one season, LSG changed their mind and paid 9.75 crores to get him back.
