Josh Inglis vs Cameron Green: Why 8.6cr man is more expensive than the 25.20 cr star?

Cameron Green becomes the most expensive Cameron Green

The IPL 2026 auction witnessed several moments, but none triggered more debate than the contrast between Josh Inglis’ INR 8.60 crore deal and Cameron Green’s record-breaking INR 25.20 crore price tag. Green’s valuation surpasses Inglis’ fee by a big margin. However, when broken down on a per-match basis, the salary can see a contrasting result. Despite being sold for less than one-third of Green’s amount, Inglis is set to earn significantly more per game in IPL 2026.

Allrounder, Green entered the IPL 2026 auction as one of the most sought-after overseas all-rounders and was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping INR 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history, surpassing Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

Inglis confirms to play four matches

On the other hand, Inglis entered the auction after being released by the Punjab Kings due to limited availability for his April 18 wedding. Inglis was officially listed as being available for only four matches. Despite this, Lucknow Super Giants went aggressive, outbidding several franchises and shocking PBKS by securing him for INR 8.60 crore, even with questions raised over how many games he would actually play.

Cameron Green to receive only INR 18 crore

Although Green was sold for INR 25.20 crore, he will not receive the full amount. Ahead of the 2026 cycle, the IPL introduced a regulation capping the maximum payable salary for overseas players at INR 18 crore, making it the highest retention slab. Any amount above this, in Green’s case, INR 7.20 crore, will be directed to the BCCI’s player welfare fund, even though the full bid is deducted from KKR’s purse. As a result, Green’s actual earnings for IPL 2026 will be INR 18 crore, not INR 25.20 crore.

Josh Inglis vs Cameron Green: Why 8.6cr man is more expensive than the 25.20 cr star?

Meanwhile, Green is expected to play a minimum of 14 games, assuming KKR completes the league stage, with potential additions if the team reaches the playoffs. Spread across 14 matches, Green’s per-match earning comes to approximately INR 1.28 crore per game.

In the case of Inglis, he has so far committed to four IPL matches, based on the availability communicated to franchises by the BCCI. At INR 8.60 crore for four games, the wicketkeeper-batter stands to earn INR 2.15 crore per match, nearly INR 90 lakh more per game than Green.

Josh Inglis to play additional games

That number could change if Inglis extends his stay. According to numerous reports, he may postpone his honeymoon and return after his wedding, potentially playing additional games. However, even at four matches, his per-game payout already goes past that of the most expensive overseas buy in IPL history.

It is worth noting that PBKS released Inglis just 45 minutes before the retention deadline after being told of his limited availability. The fact that LSG bid aggressively, possibly banking on a change of plans, has reportedly led PBKS to consider approaching the BCCI.