The stage is set for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, which will take place on December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This year’s auction is expected to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, as franchises prepare to reshape their squads ahead of the 19th edition of the league. With a massive pool of talent available, fans and teams alike are eagerly waiting to see which players will attract the biggest bids.
Player Pool and Numbers
A total of 359 players have been shortlisted for the auction. Out of these:
- 246 are Indian players
- 113 are overseas players
- 77 slots are available across the 10 franchises, with a maximum of 31 overseas players allowed.
This means that competition will be intense, as franchises must carefully balance their budgets and team compositions while bidding for the best talent.
Base Price Categories
Players have registered across different base price categories:
- 40 players at the highest base price of ₹2 crore
- 9 players at ₹1.5 crore
- 4 players at ₹1.25 crore
- Many uncapped Indian players starting at ₹30 lakh, offering budget-friendly options for franchises.
This mix ensures that teams can chase marquee stars while also investing in promising youngsters.
Key Names to Watch
Among the international stars expected to attract big bids are:
- Cameron Green (Australia)
- Steve Smith (Australia)
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
On the Indian side, uncapped players such as Aaquib Nabi, Veer, and Fuletra are being closely watched as potential breakout stars. Established names like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya have already been retained by their franchises, but the auction will determine which new talents join them.
Strategic Importance
The auction is not just about signing big names. Teams must balance:
- Squad depth to cover injuries and rotation
- Budget constraints, as each franchise has a fixed purse
- Team composition rules, including limits on overseas players and the need for a balanced mix of batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders
Franchises like Rajasthan Royals have already made bold moves in the trade window, releasing Sanju Samson and signing stars like Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja. The auction will now allow them to fill remaining gaps.
The IPL 2026 auction promises drama, surprises, and intense bidding wars. With 359 players available, including marquee internationals and promising Indian youngsters, the event will play a crucial role in shaping the squads for the upcoming season. Fans can expect thrilling moments as franchises fight for their preferred players, making this auction a defining step toward the 19th edition of the IPL.
