IPL 2026 Auction: Key Players Enter with ₹2 Crore Base Price
Overview of IPL 2026 Auction Players
A total of 45 players, including Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone, Ravi Bishnoi, Venkatesh Iyer, and Matheesa Pathirana, have entered the IPL 2026 auction with a high base price of ₹2 crore. In total, 1,355 players registered for the auction, with registration closing on November 30, and the finalized list shared with franchises on Monday. Each franchise is allowed to build a squad of up to 25 players, with 77 spots available this year, including 31 for international players.
Franchise Shortlisting and Auction Details
After receiving wish lists from all ten teams, the IPL will narrow down this list. Franchises have until December 5 to submit their shortlists ahead of the auction, which will take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Among Indian players, specialists in key roles are expected to attract significant bids, but all eyes are on Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who missed the 2025 mega auction due to a back injury. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with a purse of ₹64.3 crore, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with ₹43.4 crore, are anticipated to show strong interest.
KKR's Strategy Post-Retirement of Andre Russell
KKR may aggressively pursue Green, especially after the recent retirement of West Indies T20 legend Andre Russell from the IPL. Green's versatility, allowing him to bat anywhere in the order, bowl seam, and contribute significantly in the field, makes him one of the most sought-after names this year. KKR has released nine players, including Venkatesh Iyer, who was acquired for ₹23.5 crore in last year's mega auction, leaving them with 12 spots to fill, including six for foreign players. CSK, five-time champions, have nine vacancies, four of which are for international players.
Released Players and Their Auction Prospects
Several players released before this auction have opted for the top price cap of ₹2 crore. Among them is Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesa Pathirana, retained by CSK last year for ₹13 crore but released after struggling with injuries despite being a death overs specialist. England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹8.75 crore, finds himself back in the pool after a disappointing season.
Indian Players in the Auction
Among Indian players, Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi have both listed themselves at the ₹2 crore base price. Bishnoi, who was retained by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹11 crore last year, has been let go after spending four seasons with the franchise. Notably, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is absent from this extensive list. Punjab Kings (PBKS) acquired him for ₹4.2 crore last season, but the 37-year-old Maxwell suffered a finger fracture midway through the 2025 season, leading to the retention of Australian all-rounder Mitchell Owen in his place.