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5 Expensive Players Teams Might Release: Preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 have begun. Ahead of the mini-auction scheduled for December 16, all franchises will be conducting a thorough assessment of their players' performances and team composition. During this process, some big names could face the axe.
This includes players on whom teams spent significant sums, but who failed to perform up to expectations. Furthermore, factors such as injuries, fitness issues, and a lack of sufficient playing opportunities could also influence the franchises' decisions. Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Punjab Kings may implement major changes, keeping their available purse (budget) and specific requirements in mind.
Although there has been no official confirmation regarding the release of any player yet, let’s take a look at 5 prominent, high-profile players whom their respective franchises might be seriously considering releasing ahead of the IPL 2027 season.
5 High-Priced Players Who Could Be Released Before IPL 2027
5. Liam Livingstone (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
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- Price: ₹13 crore
- Reason: Lack of form and consistency
Aggressive English all-rounder Liam Livingstone is well-known for his ability to hit long sixes. However, under the pressure of his ₹13 crore price tag, he could not perform as expected in the previous season. If Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) decides to release him before the IPL 2027 cycle, he will face a fresh challenge to prove his worth in the auction. Teams will base their bids on his recent form and his all-round contributions.
4. Prashant Veer (Chennai Super Kings)
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- Price: ₹14.20 crore
- 2026 Performance: 90 runs and 0 wickets in 6 matches
Young all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, Prashant Veer, was bought by Chennai Super Kings for a hefty sum of ₹14.2 crore. Such a high price tag brought immense pressure and high expectations. However, his performance 90 runs and zero wickets across 6 matches did not work in his favor. If CSK decides to release him to manage their purse and team balance, other teams might still consider bidding for him in the mini-auction, based on his potential.
Also Read: AUS vs ENG 2026: Australia Announces ODI & T20I Squads; Check Full Schedule
3. Matheesha Pathirana (Kolkata Knight Riders)
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- Price: ₹18 crore
- Reason: Concerns regarding injury and availability
Known for his precise yorkers and lethal bowling in the death overs, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was acquired by KKR for ₹18 crore. However, he missed the entire 2026 IPL season due to injury. When a franchise invests such a large sum, they naturally expect the player to be available. While there is no doubt about Pathirana’s talent, given his fitness issues, KKR might look for more reliable options in the mini-auction.
2. Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants)
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- Price: ₹21 crore
- 2026 Performance: 234 runs in 14 matches (Average: 18, Strike Rate: 127.86)
Explosive West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran is considered one of the most dangerous match-winners in T20 cricket. However, his bat remained largely silent throughout the 2026 IPL season. He failed to deliver the aggressive middle-order innings that Lucknow Super Giants had hoped for. Consequently, LSG might explore other options ahead of IPL 2027 and evaluate whether retaining him remains a viable decision.
1. Cameron Green (Kolkata Knight Riders)
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- Price: ₹25.20 crore
- 2026 Performance: 322 runs and 7 wickets in 14 innings
Australian star all-rounder Cameron Green was acquired by KKR for a record price of ₹25.20 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He was expected to be a match-changer with both bat and ball, but his performance did not justify such a significant investment. Green failed to show consistency with the bat, nor could he provide KKR with the expected breakthroughs with the ball. Given his hefty contract, KKR might choose to release him to free up a substantial budget for the upcoming auction.
Also Read: Most T20I Runs in a Year: Ishan Kishan Tops Suryakumar Yadav Record
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