IPL 2026 Auction: The IPL 2026 auction is going international for the third year in a row. After hosting the 2024 event in Dubai and the previous mega auction in Jeddah, the league now heads to Abu Dhabi. This time, the mini auction will be held at the Etihad Centre on December 16, marking another big cricket day outside India.
IPL 2026 Auction – 350 Players in the Pool, 45 at Top Base Price
A total of 350 cricketers have been cleared for the event, a number confirmed by the BCCI on Tuesday, December 9. Out of this, 45 players have entered with the highest base price bracket of Rs 2 crore. With so many big names available, teams are expected to engage in intense bidding throughout the day.
IPL 2026 Auction – Teams Enter with Different Budgets
Each franchise walks into the auction with a budget shaped by retentions, releases, and trade dealings. Kolkata Knight Riders have the strongest purse at Rs 64.3 crore with space to sign up to 13 players. Chennai Super Kings hold Rs 43.4 crore to fill nine slots. On the opposite side, the Mumbai Indians have the lowest purse at Rs 2.75 crore after minimal releases.
A major pre-auction move saw CSK trade in Sanju Samson in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, leaving the team with added confidence and flexibility.
Big Names to Watch Out For In IPL 2026 Auction
Cameron Green is expected to be the biggest attraction among the overseas group. Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and David Miller also feature as strong contenders for competitive bidding.
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Among Indian players, only Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi have placed themselves in the Rs 2 crore category. Experienced names, including Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, and Umesh Yadav, will also be available, giving franchises plenty of flexibility based on balance and match strategy.
IPL 2026 Auction – Who Goes In With the Biggest Purse?
Chennai Super Kings – Rs 43.5 crore
Chennai had a tough 2025 season, finishing last. They have gone for a rebuild, releasing 12 players and bringing in Sanju Samson. With Rs 43.5 crore to spend, they can bring in nine players, including four overseas signings.
Rajasthan Royals – Rs 16.05 crore
Rajasthan Royals has also undergone changes, releasing former captain Sanju Samson along with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. The addition of Ravindra Jadeja strengthens experience. With Rs 16.05 crore available, they can fill nine spots, but only one overseas slot remains.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 64.3 crore
KKR enters the auction with the biggest purse of Rs 63.4 crore. They released high-value players like Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell, freeing up funds for fresh talent. They have room for 13 signings, including six from overseas.
Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 22.95 crore
Lucknow begins with Rs 22.95 crore and just six slots to fill, four of which can be overseas. The franchise added Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar through trades, while David Miller, Ravi Bishnoi, and Akash Deep were among those released.
SunRisers Hyderabad – Rs 25.5 crore
SRH finished in the lower half of the table last season. With 10 players to sign and Rs 25.5 crore available, they still hold a fair budget but only have two overseas slots left. Mohammed Shami was traded to LSG ahead of the auction.
Delhi Capitals – Rs 21.8 crore
Delhi started well in 2025 before losing steam and missing the playoffs. They parted ways with Jake Fraser McGurk and Faf du Plessis. With Rs 21.8 crore in hand, they look to fill eight slots, including five for overseas players.
Mumbai Indians – Rs 2.75 crore
Mumbai stands at the bottom in terms of purse with only Rs 2.75 crore. With just five spots to fill and not much money to play with, they may target budget-friendly talents this year.
Gujarat Titans – Rs 12.9 crore
GT has Rs 12.9 crore and five slots available, four of which are for overseas players. Their ability to bring in four international names could make them unpredictable during the bidding.
Punjab Kings – Rs 11.5 crore
As defending champions, Punjab Kings have kept most of their core intact. They need only four players and have Rs 11.5 crore to spend. Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis were their notable exits.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rs 16.4 crore
Reigning champions RCB enter with Rs 16.4 crore and a requirement of eight players, including two overseas. They released Liam Livingstone and Mayank Agarwal, and now look to rebuild smartly around their retained core.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Full List Of 350 Players And Their Base Prices
