The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction is gearing up to be one of the most competitive yet, with 45 players listed in the INR 2 crore base-price bracket—provided all franchises choose to retain them in their final short list. These names are part of a long list of 1,355 players released by the IPL Governing Council.
The long list was circulated to franchises on December 1, and teams must now submit their preferred selections by December 5, after which the official short list will be finalized.
Among the high-profile names in the INR 2 crore category are Cameron Green, Venkatesh Iyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ravi Bishnoi, and Matheesha Pathirana. These players are expected to attract heavy bidding due to their recent form and impact in T20 leagues worldwide.
Shockingly, Glenn Maxwell—one of the biggest stars in T20 cricket—does not feature in the long list. The 37-year-old all-rounder endured a difficult IPL 2025 season, managing only 48 runs and four wickets in seven matches before being ruled out mid-season due to injury. His replacement, Mitchell Owen, has since risen rapidly in the T20 circuit, becoming one of the most in-demand Australian talents.
With 77 total slots available, including 31 for overseas players, franchises are preparing for an intense bidding war. The Kolkata Knight Riders (INR 64.3 Cr) and the Chennai Super Kings (INR 43.4 Cr) hold the biggest purses, setting the stage for fierce competition.
Why the 2026 Auction Could Be the Most Competitive Yet
The combination of a strong overseas pool, big-budget teams, and several teams rebuilding ensures this year’s auction will be high-stakes. Franchises with larger purses are expected to dominate the bidding, especially for all-rounders and death bowlers—typically the most sought-after profiles.
Auction Day Details
The IPL 2026 auction will be a single-day event, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. With heavyweights like KKR and CSK ready to spend big and several surprise omissions and additions in the player list, the stage is set for a dramatic auction day.
