The Indian Premier League 2026 auction in Dubai witnessed a stunning bid, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) securing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a massive Rs 27 crore. However, in a surprising twist, Green will not receive the full auction amount. His actual take-home salary for the season will be a significantly lower Rs 18 crore. This discrepancy has sparked widespread discussion among cricket fans and analysts.
The Rule Behind the Reduced Salary
The key to understanding this pay cut lies in the specific rules governing the IPL auction and player retention. Cameron Green was not a new entrant into the auction pool. He was released by his previous franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), ahead of the 2026 auction. According to IPL regulations, when a player is released and then bought by a new team, his salary is calculated based on a specific formula, not solely on the final bid price.
The rule states that the player's salary is determined by the higher of two amounts: his previous year's salary or a base price set for the auction. In Green's case, his salary with RCB for the 2025 season was Rs 18 crore. Despite KKR's winning bid of Rs 27 crore, the governing rules cap his earnings at his last drawn salary of Rs 18 crore. The additional Rs 9 crore from the bid goes to the IPL's central revenue pool, not to the player.
KKR's Strategy and Green's Role
This scenario highlights a crucial strategic element in IPL team management. KKR was determined to acquire Cameron Green's services, valuing his dual skills as a powerful hitter and a effective pace bowler. Their aggressive bidding, pushing the price to a record Rs 27 crore, was a tactical move to ensure no other franchise could outbid them. They were essentially paying a premium to secure his rights, knowing the actual cost against their salary cap would only be Rs 18 crore.
For Cameron Green, this means he enters the KKR squad as one of their most expensive players, but on a salary he was already commanding. His role will be pivotal. KKR will look to him to provide balance, contribute significantly in the middle order, and chip in with crucial overs. The pressure will be on him to justify the high price tag and the faith shown by the franchise's management.
Implications for IPL Economics and Future Auctions
This incident sheds light on the complex financial mechanics of the IPL. It demonstrates how the auction system, combined with retention rules, can create situations where the bid price and player salary diverge. For other franchises, it serves as a lesson in understanding the fine print of auction regulations.
For players, especially high-profile ones like Green who are released, it clarifies that a massive bid does not automatically translate into a personal windfall. Their earning potential is still linked to their previous contract until they complete a full cycle with a new team. This rule is designed to maintain a level of financial stability and prevent extreme salary inflation from one season to the next for the same player.
The IPL 2026 auction, held on December 16, 2025, will be remembered for this record bid for Cameron Green. While the headline number was Rs 27 crore, the reality of his contract at Rs 18 crore offers a fascinating insight into the business side of the world's richest cricket league.
