The buzz around the IPL is never just about cricket, it’s a blend of ambition, opportunity, big decisions and bigger dreams. Every auction season feels like the beginning of hundreds of journeys and the IPL 2026 is no different. As teams prepare for another massive reshuffle, the anticipation surrounding this year’s auction has already taken over conversations across the cricketing world.
A staggering 1355 cricketers from various countries have registered for December 16 auction which will take place in Abu Dhabi. The scale of interest alone shows how powerful and influential the league has become. Among these entries are 43 overseas players and two Indians who have placed themselves in the highest base price category of Rs 2 crore. With several teams rebuilding and looking for match-winners, the auction is expected to be fierce, especially for major international names such as Australia’s Cameron Green and Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana.
Cameron Green, who missed the 2025 IPL season due to injury, is likely to draw aggressive bids, given his all-round value. Matheesha Pathirana, meanwhile, comes into the auction with strong interest after Chennai Super Kings unexpectedly released him. His unique sling-arm action, reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, has already earned him recognition and many franchises view him as a long-term investment. Considering the history of mini auctions, where franchises often break the bank for young talents, it would not be surprising if Matheesha Pathirana becomes one of the top earners this time.
The current record for the most expensive mini-auction signing belongs to Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who went to Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 24.75 crore ahead of the IPL 2024. Interestingly, KKR are once again preparing for a bold auction approach. With only 12 retained players and a sizeable purse of Rs 64.30 crore, they are widely expected to pursue high-profile signings.
But this year, the dynamics have changed dramatically due to a major rule introduced by the BCCI ahead of last year’s mega auction. Under the new regulation, no overseas player can receive more than Rs 18 crore from a mini auction deal. Even if the bidding surpasses that number, Rs 18 crore remains the maximum payable amount to the player. This cap is linked to the previous retention slabs, where Rs 18 crore was the highest category for keeping players.
If any team bids, for example, Rs 20 crore for an overseas cricketer, the player will still receive only Rs 18 crore. The remaining amount will be directed by the BCCI toward player welfare programs. However, the franchise’s purse will still be reduced by the full bid amount. The rule applies only to overseas players; Indian players will continue to receive the full amount of their winning bids.
With star names, fresh policies and high-stakes strategies at play, the IPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be not just a bidding contest but a fascinating story of timing, choices and the ever-growing global pull of the league.
