Top 5 Most expensive trades in IPL history | Most expensive trades

Published - 17 Nov 2025, 15:46 IST | Updated - 17 Nov 2025, 16:30 IST

The Indian Premier League has always been more than just on-field action, but also the drama behind the scenes. Every year, as soon as a season ends, the focus instantly shifts to the trade window and auction, where teams rethink their strategies, revamp their squads, and make tough financial choices.

Over the years, the IPL has seen some exceptionally expensive trade deals, with franchises willing to spend massive sums to secure the right talent. Big-money swaps, all-cash transfers, often make headlines as teams look to balance their purse while strengthening their squad. This year, too, the league has seen some surprising and expensive trades take place.

Indian bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur’s high-profile trade from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2023 came on the back of strong performances for India and an impactful 2022 IPL season, where he picked 15 wickets. His ability prompted KKR to spend INR 10.75 crore in an all-cash trade.

However, the 2023 season didn’t go the way KKR had hoped. Shardul managed just seven wickets in 9 innings, conceding runs at an expensive economy of 10.47. While he showed flashes of his hitting ability, scoring 68 runs at a strike rate of 161.42, he couldn’t deliver consistently with either the ball or the bat. The franchise was released after one season.