IPL Auction 2026: Your Ultimate Pre-Auction Guide
The countdown has officially begun! The IPL Auction 2026 is one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing calendar, and this year promises to be a spectacle. With the venue set in a glamorous overseas location and franchises armed with significant funds, the stage is set for a thrilling player market. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from the confirmed date and venue to the full player list and each team’s spending power.
Table of Contents
- Confirmed Date and Venue
- The Massive Player Pool
- IPL Auction 2026: Franchise Purse Details
- Key Players to Watch
- How to Watch the Live Stream
- Conclusion
- Sources
Confirmed Date and Venue
Mark your calendars! The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed that the IPL Auction 2026 will take place on Monday, December 16, 2025 . In a move that adds an international flair to the event, the auction will be held at the stunning Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE . This marks the third time the IPL auction has been held in the Middle East, continuing a trend of taking the event global.
The Massive Player Pool
A staggering 1,355 players from 14 different countries have registered for the auction, all vying for one of the 77 available slots across the ten franchises . This immense pool includes a mix of seasoned veterans, exciting young talents, and a star-studded overseas contingent.
The list features several big names who are now on the market, including:
- International Stars: Cameron Green (headlining the list), Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow, Rachin Ravindra, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shai Hope .
- Indian Talent: Mayank Agarwal, KS Bharat, Ravi Bishnoi, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Mavi .
Notably, 45 players have opted for the highest base price of ₹2 crore, indicating their confidence in their market value . With such a deep and competitive pool, franchises will have to be incredibly strategic in their bids.
IPL Auction 2026: Franchise Purse Details
The ten IPL franchises collectively hold a massive purse of ₹237.55 crore to build their squads for the upcoming season . However, the spending power is far from equal, with some teams sitting on a war chest while others have their hands tied. Here’s the complete breakdown of the remaining purse for each team after the retention window closed [[11], [12], [18]]:
| Franchise | Remaining Purse (in ₹ Crore) | Slots Left |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 64.3 | 13 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 43.4 | 13 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 39.85 | 15 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 32.1 | 13 |
| Delhi Capitals | 28.7 | 13 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 25.5 | 12 |
| Gujarat Titans | 12.9 | 7 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 12.4 | 9 |
| Punjab Kings | 10.45 | 10 |
| Mumbai Indians | 2.75 | 8 |
As the table shows, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hold the largest purse by a significant margin, giving them the freedom to chase multiple marquee players . On the other end of the spectrum, the Mumbai Indians are in a tight spot with just ₹2.75 crore left, severely limiting their options in the auction.
Key Players to Watch
While the full list is enormous, a few names are generating serious buzz. Cameron Green is arguably the biggest fish in the pond, with his all-round ability making him a prime target for any team with a large purse . Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and dynamic all-rounder Shivam Mavi are also expected to fetch top dollar. Keep an eye on overseas stars like New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Afghanistan’s Wanindu Hasaranga, who could be game-changers for the right franchise .
How to Watch the Live Stream
The IPL Auction 2026 will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India. For those who prefer streaming, the event will be available on the JioCinema app and website [[INTERNAL_LINK:ipl-live-streaming-guides]]. International viewers should check their local broadcasting rights holders for live coverage. The auction is expected to be a full-day event, starting in the morning (IST).
Conclusion
The IPL Auction 2026 on December 16th in Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be a landmark event. With KKR and CSK armed with enormous funds, a deep pool of over 1,300 players, and several marquee names on the block, the bidding wars are guaranteed to be intense. The decisions made on this day will directly shape the competitive landscape of the IPL 2026 season. Stay tuned for what promises to be a dramatic and pivotal day in T20 cricket.
Sources
- BCCI confirms IPL Auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi
- IPL Auction 2026 Time and Date, Rules, Window, Team Venue Update
- IPL 2026 Auction: Full list of purse remaining for all 10 franchises
- IPL 2026 Auction: Know the Date, Time, Venue and Total Purse
- IPL Auction 2026: 1355 Players Registered, Who’s In?
- Official list of registered players for IPL 2026 auction
- Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)