Published on: Nov 13, 2025 5:50 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 13, 2025 5:50 pm IST
Ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026, big trades have been buzzing around. The latest buzz surrounds a potential blockbuster swap between Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson and Chennai Super Kings’ all-round duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, who are also speculated to be part of the deal. If this three-way trade materializes, it could become the most expensive and strategic exchange in IPL history, reportedly valued at ₹18 crore. But before that unfolds, let’s revisit the top three most expensive IPL trades that have already shaken up the league.
In a move that stunned fans and analysts alike, Mumbai Indians traded Australian all-rounder Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore for a staggering ₹17.5 crore ahead of the IPL 2024 season. This IPL trade was not just about money, it was a domino effect triggered by MI’s desire to bring back Hardik Pandya.
Green had been bought by MI for the same amount in the 2023 auction and showed glimpses of brilliance with both bat and ball. However, with Hardik’s return on the horizon, MI needed to free up purse space. RCB, on the other hand, saw Green as a long-term investment, a power-hitter who could also roll over his arms.
Unfortunately, Green’s 2025 season was cut short due to injury, but the trade remains the costliest in IPL history to date. It also highlighted how franchises are now willing to spend big not just in auctions but in the trade market too. This trade still remains the most expensive IPL trades ever.
MI’s very own Hardik Pandya’s move from Gujarat Titans back to Mumbai Indians in 2024 was a ₹15 crore blockbuster that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Having led GT to an IPL title in their debut season in 2022 and a runners-up finish the following year, Hardik’s leadership and all-round prowess made him one of the most valuable assets in the league.
Mumbai, who had nurtured Hardik from his early days, were keen to bring him back, not just as a player, but as a future captain. The trade was not just about nostalgia; it was a strategic masterstroke. Hardik’s return also meant MI had to offload Cameron Green, setting up the most expensive trade chain in IPL history.
The ₹15 crore deal included a significant transfer bonus for the Gujarat Titans, making it one of the most lucrative player movements ever. It also marked a shift in how franchises view leadership and brand value, with Hardik seen as a long-term face of the MI franchise.
While not as flashy as the other two, Shardul Thakur’s trade from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022 for ₹10.75 crore was a significant moment in IPL trade history. Known for his knack of picking up crucial wickets and contributing with the bat lower down the order, Shardul was seen as a utility player who could fill multiple roles.
KKR, in need of a reliable Indian pacer who could also bat, saw value in Thakur’s versatility. However, the move didn’t quite pay off as expected. Shardul managed just seven wickets in IPL 2023 and struggled with consistency. Despite the underwhelming returns, the trade remains one of the most expensive in IPL history and serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in high-stakes trades.
If the rumored trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran goes through, it could redefine the IPL trade landscape. Valued at a combined ₹18 crore, this potential three-way deal would surpass all previous records. It also reflects how franchises are now willing to engage in multi-team negotiations, much like professional leagues in the U.S.A.
The IPL is the biggest franchise cricket league extravaganza. The league has always been a spectacle, and its off-field drama, especially in the trade market, never fails to grab eyeballs. With trades like Green to RCB, Hardik to MI, and Shardul to KKR setting benchmarks in the past, and the Samson–Jadeja–Curran deal looming, one thing is clear: we will see trades like these taking place in the foreseeable future as well. As the league matures, expect more blockbuster trades, smarter strategies, and a whole new level of franchise warfare.