IPL 2026 Auction: Key Players and Insights Ahead of the Bidding War

As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, a total of 1,355 players have registered, with 45 players, including Cameron Green and Liam Livingstone, entering at the highest base price of Rs 2 crore. Franchises have until December 5 to finalize their wishlists before the auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. With teams like KKR and CSK expected to make significant bids, the auction promises to be an exciting event. Key players and notable absences are shaping the landscape, making this auction one to watch closely.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 2, 2025, 09:30 IST

Overview of the IPL 2026 Auction

A total of 45 players, including Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone, Ravi Bishnoi, Venkatesh Iyer, and Matheesha Pathirana, have registered for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction with a base price set at Rs 2 crore, according to reports. In total, 1,355 players have signed up for the auction, with the final list shared with franchises after the registration deadline on November 30.

Auction Details and Important Dates

Each franchise can have a maximum of 25 players, with 77 slots available this year, including 31 designated for overseas players. The IPL will refine this list after receiving the preferences from all ten teams. Franchises have until December 5 to submit their preferred players, leading up to the auction day scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

Focus on Cameron Green and Interested Teams

Cameron Green, the Australian all-rounder, is expected to attract significant bids, especially after missing the 2025 mega-auction due to a back injury. Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with a budget of Rs 64.3 crore and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with Rs 43.4 crore are anticipated to show keen interest. KKR may particularly target Green following the retirement of West Indies T20 star Andre Russell. Green's ability to bat in various positions, bowl seam, and excel in the field makes him a highly desirable player this season.

Notable Players and Absences

KKR has released nine players, including Venkatesh Iyer, who was acquired for Rs 23.5 crore in the previous auction. They now need to fill 12 slots, six of which are for overseas players. CSK, the five-time champions, have nine vacancies, four for international players. Several released players have opted for the top price bracket of Rs 2 crore, including Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who was retained for Rs 13 crore last year but was released due to injury issues. England's Liam Livingstone, who was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Rs 8.75 crore, is also back in the auction pool after a disappointing season.

Auction Pool Players

Players listed under the Rs 2 crore base price include Ravi Bishnoi, Venkatesh Iyer, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Naveen ul Haq, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, and many others. Notably, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is absent from the list after suffering a finger fracture last season. Another surprising entry is PBKS' wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who played a crucial role in their journey to the final but will only be available for 25% of the 2026 season due to personal commitments.