Abu Dhabi, December 16, 2025 – The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi is buzzing with anticipation as the IPL 2026 Auction gets underway. A total of 369 players are up for grabs, with franchises vying to secure the best talent to bolster their squads for the upcoming season. All ten teams will participate, with a combined total of ₹237.5 crore available to spend.
Among the players in the auction pool, 253 are Indian players, while 116 are overseas players, creating a diverse range of options for the franchises. The auction promises to be an exciting event, with intense bidding wars expected for some of the top talents on offer.
All eyes are on Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who is widely expected to be the biggest draw of the auction. After missing the previous auction due to injury, Green is back and attracting considerable attention from multiple teams. Known for his versatility, Green can contribute with both bat and ball, making him a valuable asset to any team. He can open the innings, bat in the middle order, bowl sharp seam, and is a brilliant athlete in the field. Several experts predict that Green could spark a bidding war, potentially fetching a record-breaking bid. Some speculate that teams might be willing to go as high as ₹35 crore for the all-rounder.
Apart from Green, several other players are expected to generate significant interest. Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, known for his death-over expertise, could be a valuable addition to teams seeking to strengthen their bowling attack. England's Liam Livingstone, a powerful T20 batter with the ability to bowl both leg-spin and off-spin, is also likely to attract high bids.
A number of Indian players are also set to be in demand. Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi have set their base price at the maximum of ₹2 crore. Quality Indian bowlers are always in demand, and Bishnoi ticks all the boxes. Iyer's versatility keeps him relevant at every auction. He can open, bat in the middle order, and chip in with the ball when needed.
Franchises had until December 5 to submit their wishlists, after which the IPL pruned the longlist into the final auction pool. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) enter the auction with the largest purses, ₹64.3 crore and ₹43.4 crore respectively, and both possessing overseas slots, they are considered likely bidders for Green.
The IPL 2026 auction promises to be a strategic battle, with teams looking to build a winning combination of domestic and international talent. With a mix of established stars and promising youngsters on offer, the auction is set to be a captivating event that will shape the landscape of the upcoming IPL season.
