The Indian Premier League 2026 Auction is underway in Abu Dhabi on December 16, marking the 19th auction in IPL history. Hosted at the Etihad Arena, the event has drawn global attention as franchises look to complete their squads ahead of the new season. With a total purse of ₹237.5 crore available across the 10 teams, the auction is expected to witness intense bidding for high impact players.
A total of 369 players have registered for the auction, including 253 Indian cricketers and 116 overseas players. With limited squad slots available, franchises are focusing on strategic buys rather than large scale squad overhauls. The emphasis has been on all rounders, fast bowlers and experienced overseas batters who can provide balance and depth.
Australian all rounder Cameron Green has emerged as one of the most talked about players in the auction. After missing last year’s auction due to injury, Green returned to the auction pool with strong demand from multiple teams. While his base price was set at ₹18 crore, franchises were free to bid higher based on their requirements and purse strength, making him one of the costliest players in the auction.
Several other international stars have also attracted significant interest. England’s Liam Livingstone, Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana, South African batter David Miller and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock were among the most sought after names. Players such as Ben Duckett, Matt Henry, Jamie Smith and Jacob Duffy were also closely tracked by franchises looking to strengthen specific departments.
Indian players continued to command strong value, with teams investing in domestic talent to build long term squad depth. Uncapped players and young prospects were particularly attractive due to their lower price points and potential for growth over multiple seasons.
As the auction progressed, a number of players were sold at or near their base prices, while several others went unsold due to team combinations, budget constraints or overlapping skill sets. The list of unsold players includes experienced internationals and domestic players who may still find opportunities later as replacement signings during the season.
The IPL auction remains a crucial platform for franchises to refine their strategies and address weaknesses identified in previous seasons. With only a limited number of slots to fill, teams have been cautious but decisive in their bidding.
Fans can follow live updates of the IPL 2026 Auction through official broadcast and digital platforms. The final list of sold and unsold players will play a significant role in shaping team strategies and expectations ahead of the new IPL season.
