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IPL 2026 Auction: Which Team Has the Deepest Purse? All You Need to Know Before the Mega Bidding War

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IPL 2026 Auction live streaming: Date, time, purse left

IPL 2026 Auction: Which Team Has the Deepest Purse? All You Need to Know Before the Mega Bidding War

The countdown is on. The IPL 2026 Auction—one of cricket’s most anticipated events—will unfold on December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi . With 10 franchises ready to battle for 77 available player slots and a combined war chest of ₹237.55 crore, this mini-auction promises high drama, strategic masterstrokes, and possibly a few shock bids that could reshape franchises overnight .

And the team with the most firepower? None other than two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders, who enter the auction with a staggering ₹64.3 crore—nearly 27% of the entire pool! But what does this mean for team strategies, undervalued players, and fantasy cricket managers? We’ve got you covered.

Table of Contents

IPL 2026 Auction Basics: Date, Time & Location

Mark your calendars: the IPL 2026 Auction takes place on Monday, December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi—a venue chosen for its world-class facilities and neutral, secure environment .

While an exact start time hasn’t been officially confirmed by the BCCI, past auctions typically begin around 2:00 PM IST. Expect live coverage to kick in at least 30 minutes prior with pre-auction analysis, expert panels, and team strategies.

Team-Wise Purse Breakdown: Who Can Spend the Most?

With 77 slots open (including capped and uncapped categories), every rupee counts. Here’s the latest purse breakdown as confirmed by the IPL Governing Council:

  • Kolkata Knight Riders: ₹64.30 crore
  • Sunrisers Hyderabad: ₹33.20 crore
  • Rajasthan Royals: ₹31.50 crore
  • Chennai Super Kings: ₹28.70 crore
  • Mumbai Indians: ₹25.40 crore
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru: ₹22.80 crore
  • Delhi Capitals: ₹20.10 crore
  • Punjab Kings: ₹18.90 crore
  • Lucknow Super Giants: ₹16.40 crore
  • Gujarat Titans: ₹6.25 crore

As you can see, KKR’s purse is more than double that of the next two teams combined—giving them unparalleled flexibility to chase marquee names or build a deep, balanced squad .

Why KKR Holds the Advantage in IPL 2026 Auction

KKR’s massive budget stems from a lean retention strategy post-2025 season. While they kept core players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Venkatesh Iyer, they released several high-salary veterans, freeing up crucial funds .

This positions them perfectly to target two key areas:

  1. A World-Class Overseas Batter: With doubts over Shreyas Iyer’s long-term form, KKR could bid big for players like David Warner or even an in-form English star like Will Jacks.
  2. A Lead Indian Pacer: They’ve long sought a consistent Indian fast bowler to complement Harshit Rana. Expect them to compete fiercely for the likes of Mukesh Kumar or Navdeep Saini.

Players to Watch: Undervalued Talents and Surprise Picks

Beyond the big names, smart franchises will hunt for value. Keep an eye on these potential gems:

  • Shashank Singh (Punjab): Explosive finisher with IPL experience.
  • Khaleel Ahmed: Left-arm pace, ideal for powerplay and death overs.
  • Riyan Parag: Rising all-rounder with a stellar domestic T20 record.
  • Dushmantha Chameera: Sri Lankan speedster, available at a fraction of his peak value.

How to Watch IPL 2026 Auction: Live Streaming Options

The auction will be broadcast live across multiple platforms:

  • TV: Sports18 and JioCinema (in India)
  • Online Streaming: JioCinema app and website (free with registration)
  • International Viewers: Check your local Star Sports or Willow TV affiliates

For real-time updates and analysis, follow [INTERNAL_LINK:ipl_auction_live_blog] on our site.

Fantasy Cricket Impact: What the Auction Means for You

For fantasy cricket managers, the auction is gold. Teams with deep benches (like KKR) often rotate players based on form and pitch—meaning uncapped signings could become differential picks in early 2026 contests [[INTERNAL_LINK:fantasy_ipl_2026_tips]].

Watch for late-round bargains: franchises with small purses (like Gujarat Titans) may snag hidden gems who get consistent game time out of necessity.

Conclusion

The IPL 2026 Auction isn’t just a roster reshuffle—it’s a strategic battlefield where budgets, vision, and nerve collide. With KKR holding a financial sledgehammer and other teams playing chess with limited pieces, December 16 will shape the narrative of IPL 2026 before a single ball is bowled. Whether you’re a team owner, a player, or a fan, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

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