Though the auction size may be smaller, the upcoming IPL 2026 auction scheduled for December 16 promises some star presence, as Shreyas Iyer is likely to represent Punjab Kings in Abu Dhabi. Despite a spleen injury, Iyer’s leadership has ensured his name figures on the official delegation list sent by the franchise.
Shreyas Iyer Listed Among Punjab Kings’ Representatives
December 10 was the deadline for all IPL teams to submit their list of auction representatives to the BCCI. Inside sources reveal that Punjab Kings included Shreyas Iyer in the eight-member contingent allowed inside the auction hall. Six other representatives are allowed to remain outside.
Unless there is a last-minute change of plans, Shreyas Iyer will be in Abu Dhabi. His presence will be important as he led Punjab Kings to the final last season before being ruled out after the ODI series in Australia.
Ricky Ponting likely to miss the auction
Head coach Ricky Ponting is unlikely to attend the IPL 2026 auction. He is committed to Ashes commentary duties with Australia’s Seven Network, with the third Test getting underway on December 17 in Adelaide – just one day after the auction.
Punjab Kings also have relatively little business to attend to this year, with INR 11.5 crore in their purse and space for just four signings – including a maximum of two overseas players. This further reduces any need for Ponting to be there.
Daniel Vettori to Attend Auction Despite Ashes Commitments
While the Australian assistant coach, Daniel Vettori, will be able to attend the auction despite his role at this summer’s Ashes. Cricket Australia has signed off on the arrangement, as they did for the Test series last summer, and he will head to Abu Dhabi during the middle of the five-Test contest.
Australian heavyweights Justin Langer and Tom Moody will also be present at the Lucknow Super Giants auction table as head coach and director of cricket respectively.
Mumbai Indians Crowned Most Valuable IPL Franchise
As per Brand Finance Annual Report, Mumbai Indians have been termed the most valuable franchise in IPL:
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Franchise Brand Value (USD)
Mumbai Indians 108 million
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 105 million
Chennai Super Kings 93 million
Kolkata Knight Riders 74 million
Gujarat Titans: 70 million
Punjab Kings: 66 million
Lucknow Super Giants – $59 million
Delhi Capitals 59 million
Sunrisers Hyderabad 56 million Rajasthan Royals 53 million Owned by Reliance Industries Ltd., Mumbai Indians have been the most successful team in terms of both on-field success and commercial influence and continue to possess strong brand credentials going into the 2026 season.
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