The stage is set for a high-stakes bidding war as the Indian Premier League gears up for its 2026 mini-auction. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially announced that the event will be held at the spectacular Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on 16 December 2025. This marks a significant return to an overseas venue for the prestigious player auction, promising a global spectacle.
Massive Player Pool and Star-Studded Lineup
An astonishing 1,355 players have thrown their hats in the ring, creating one of the most extensive talent pools for a mini-auction in IPL history. The breakdown reveals a rich mix of experience and emerging potential. The list comprises 1,062 Indian players and 293 overseas cricketers from 14 nations. Among them are 212 capped internationals, 1,121 uncapped players, and 22 representatives from associate nations.
The Indian contingent features notable names like Mayank Agarwal, Ravi Bishnoi, Prithvi Shaw, Venkatesh Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, and Umesh Yadav, who are expected to attract keen interest from franchises seeking proven domestic performers. The overseas section is brimming with T20 specialists, with 45 players setting their base price at the highest bracket of Rs 2 crore. This elite group includes global stars such as Australia's Cameron Green and Steve Smith, New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, South Africa's David Miller and Anrich Nortje, and Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana.
Team Purses and Strategic Battle
Following the player retention deadline on 15 November, the ten IPL franchises will enter the auction room with a combined total purse of Rs 237.55 crore to fill 77 available slots, which include 31 openings for overseas players. The financial firepower varies dramatically, setting the stage for distinct strategies.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hold the heaviest wallet with a massive Rs 64.30 crore to spend, positioning them as potential dominators in the bidding wars. They are followed by Chennai Super Kings (Rs 43.40 crore) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (Rs 25.50 crore). On the other end of the spectrum, Mumbai Indians, having retained a large core of their squad, will operate with a modest Rs 2.75 crore, necessitating extremely precise and strategic bidding.
The full purse breakdown is as follows: Lucknow Super Giants (Rs 22.95 crore), Delhi Capitals (Rs 21.80 crore), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Rs 16.40 crore), Rajasthan Royals (Rs 16.05 crore), Gujarat Titans (Rs 12.90 crore), and Punjab Kings (Rs 11.50 crore). Teams with larger budgets are likely to target high-impact international stars, while those with limited funds may focus on building depth through uncapped Indian talent.
How to Watch and What to Expect
Fans across India and the world can catch every dramatic moment of the auction live. The event will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network across its multiple channels. For digital viewers, the entire auction will be streamed live on JioCinema, ensuring accessibility on mobile devices, televisions, and web platforms.
The auction promises to be unpredictable and fast-paced. With a diverse mix of international icons, seasoned Indian campaigners, and hundreds of uncapped prospects, franchises will need sharp tactics. Key areas of focus will include power-hitters, fast-bowling all-rounders, and death-over specialists. The bidding in Abu Dhabi is not just about filling slots; it is expected to reshape the competitive balance for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Franchises have until 3 December to propose additional player entries and until 5 December to finalize their shortlists for the main event.
