IPL 2026 Auction: The IPL 2026 auction is just around the corner, taking place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Earlier this week, the BCCI revealed a shortlist of 350 players who will fight for 77 squad spots across ten franchises. Out of this pool, 240 are Indian players, and 110 are from overseas. The list also features 224 uncapped Indian cricketers along with 14 uncapped overseas options, giving teams plenty of fresh talent to choose from.
Auction Purse and Spending Power
Each franchise will have a total spending limit of Rs 125 crore to build a 25-member squad for the new season. Since this is a mini-auction, teams will enter with different remaining amounts depending on their retention and release strategies.
Kolkata Knight Riders are the most loaded heading into the auction with Rs 64.8 crore available after releasing big names like Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell. On the other hand, the Mumbai Indians have the smallest purse at Rs 2.2 crore and will need to be very selective with their picks.
Overseas Quota and Salary Rules
A franchise can sign up to 25 players, but no more than eight overseas cricketers are allowed in one squad. There is also a new salary ceiling for foreign players starting from this auction. Their maximum earnings will be limited to whichever is lower between the highest retention price of Rs 18 crore and the highest bid from the previous mega auction.
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Since Lucknow Super Giants spent Rs 27 crore on Rishabh Pant last time, the maximum fee for an overseas player this year stands at Rs 18 crore. Any amount above this figure will not go to the player but instead be directed to the BCCI’s player development programme.
Ban Rules for Overseas Players
To smooth the auction process and prevent overseas players from taking advantage of demand spikes in smaller auctions, the IPL General Council introduced new regulations last year.
As per the rules, foreign players must register for the mega auction if they are fit and fully available. If they skip registration, they will face a one-year ban. Additionally, if a player bought in the mega auction and withdraws before the season begins, they will be banned from the next two mini-auctions. England captain Harry Brook is one example, as he misses this auction and the next due to this rule.
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Right to Match Availability
There will be no Right to Match card in the mini-auction. RTM is reserved for mega auctions only, which means that to re-sign a released player this year, teams will have to enter open bidding just like everyone else.
How to Watch the IPL 2026 Auction Live
Viewers can watch the complete IPL Auction 2026 live on the official IPL YouTube channel. Fans from across the world will be able to enjoy every bid in real time with no paywall.
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