IPL 2026 auction to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16 (ANI Photo) The preparation for the Indian Premier League 2026 auction has reached full intensity as the franchises prepare for a mini auction ahead of the next major squad overhaul. The BCCI has confirmed that the event will take place on December 16, 2025 at the stunning Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, marking the league’s return to a high-profile overseas auction. With over 1,300 players registering their names, the 2026 mini-auction promises a deep pool of talent to cover every role, skill set and experience. Several teams will enter the auction with significant budgets, ensuring fans can expect big bids, dramatic price increases and tactical maneuvering from start to finish.
IPL 2026 retained players: Who stayed where and for how much
When and where to watch IPL 2026 auction
The auction will be telecast live on Star Sports Network which offers full coverage on multiple channels. For online viewers, every moment of the auction will be streamed on Jiostar, ensuring easy access for fans across India on mobile, TV and web.
Huge auction pool: more than 1,300 registered players
The auction register for IPL 2026 contains one of the most extensive lists ever compiled for mini-auctions. According to Cricbuzz, the list includes:
- Total 1355 players
- 1062 Indian players
- 293 overseas players
- 212 limited overs internationals
- 1,121 uncovered players
- 22 affiliated players
Among the leading Indian players who entered the auction are Mayank Agarwal, KS Bharat, Rahul Chahar, Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep, Deepak Hooda, Venkatesh Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Prithvi Shaw and Umesh Yadav. These names are expected to attract continued interest from teams looking for proven homegrown performers. The overall list features players from 14 different countries, including strong players from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the West Indies. Players from emerging cricketing nations such as USA, Scotland, Netherlands and Malaysia have also registered.
A star-studded overseas contingent
The overseas section is loaded with high value T20 specialists. The Rs 2 crore group itself includes names that feature regularly in the world’s major leagues.
Players with a base price of Rs.2 million
India: Ravi Bishnoi, Venkatesh Iyer Afghanistan: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq Australia: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Ben Cutting, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Steve Smith Bangladesh: Mustafizur Rahman England: Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Daniel Lawrence, Liam Livingstone, Tymal Mills, Jamie Smith New Zealand: Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, William O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra South African: Gerald Cutze, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nort, Rile Rossouth, Tabraiz Shamsi, David Wise Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana West Indies: Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph With so many marquee players available, several teams are expected to focus on specific roles such as power-hitters, fast bowling all-rounders and death game specialists.
Team Purse Remaining for IPL 2026 Auction
After the retention period ends on November 15, the 10 IPL franchises will enter the auction with a combined purse of Rs 237.55 crore. Here is the complete breakdown of the wallet as stated:
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Rs 64.30 crore
- Chennai Super Kings: Rs 43.40 crore
- Lucknow Super Giants: Rs 22.95 crore
- Delhi Capitals: Rs 21.80 crore
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Rs 25.50 crore
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rs 16.40 crore
- Rajasthan Royals: Rs 16.05 crore
- Punjab Kings: Rs 11.50 crore
- Gujarat Titans: Rs 12.90 crore
- Mumbai Indians: Rs 2.75 crore
KKR will enter the room with the biggest financial muscle, while Mumbai Indians – who have retained a big core – will have to work with the smallest purse remaining. There are 77 places to fill across all teams, including 31 overseas vacancies. Teams with bigger budgets are expected to chase high-impact international players, while others may focus on unlimited Indian talent to build depth.
Division of the auction register
- Total 1355 players
- 1062 Indians
- 928 Indians without a cap
- 118 uncapped Indians with previous IPL experience
- 196 limited-overs internationals
- 22 affiliated players
- 45 players with minimum reserve price of Rs.2 million
- 173 players remained before the auction
Franchises have until December 3rd to propose additional entries and have until December 5th to finalize their preferred list for the auction.
What awaits us on December 16
With a diverse mix of international stars, seasoned Indian performers and hundreds of uncapped prospects, IPL Auction 2026 will be unpredictable and fast-paced. Teams with big budgets, especially KKR, CSK and SRH, could dominate the early bidding wars. Meanwhile, parties with limited funds will need to be strategic and precise. As the league approaches another high-action season of cricket, the Abu Dhabi auction is expected to shape the balance of power for IPL 2026.
