The stage is set for a major cricketing event as the final roster of players for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction has been officially released. The auction is scheduled to take place on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, with a total of 369 cricketers from around the world set to go under the hammer. Among the Indian contingent, domestic stalwart Abhimanyu Easwaran emerges as the most prominent name in the updated list.
From 1390 to 369: The Pruning Process
The journey to the final auction list has been a meticulous one. Initially, a massive pool of 1390 players had thrown their hats in the ring by registering for the coveted event. The IPL Governing Council undertook the task of shortlisting, bringing the number down to a more manageable 350. However, in a move highlighting the dynamic nature of team strategies, the franchises requested further additions. This led to the list being expanded to its final count of 369 players.
An interesting sub-plot involved nine specific players. They were initially added to the auction pool, only to be temporarily recalled. These nine names have now been firmly reinstated, forming part of the 19 new additions that make up the final list.
A Glimpse at the High-Value Pools
The players have been slotted into various base price categories, setting the floor for the bidding wars. The top bracket, with a base price of ₹2 crore, features a mix of international superstars and proven IPL performers. This elite group includes names like New Zealand's Devon Conway, Australia's power-hitter Jake Fraser-McGurk and all-rounder Cameron Green, South African veteran David Miller, and England's dynamic Liam Livingstone. Indian fans will also spot the name of Venkatesh Iyer in this category.
The ₹1.5 crore bracket boasts exciting talents such as Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Australian pace sensation Spencer Johnson. Moving down, the ₹1.25 crore and ₹1 crore segments include players like West Indies' Kyle Mayers, England's Jonny Bairstow, South Africa's Quinton de Kock, and India's own Umesh Yadav and Rahul Chahar, offering a blend of experience and potential.
Indian Talent Across the Spectrum
While Abhimanyu Easwaran is a key talking point, the list is rich with Indian talent across all price points. The ₹75 lakh segment is particularly dense with domestic stars, including batsmen like Sarfaraz Khan, Prithvi Shaw, and Mayank Agarwal, alongside bowlers like Chetan Sakariya and Navdeep Saini.
The lower base price categories (₹50 lakh, ₹40 lakh, and ₹30 lakh) are dominated by a vast array of Indian domestic players and uncapped talents, such as Yash Dhull, Riyan Parag, Akash Madhwal, and Vidwath Kaverappa. This provides franchises with a deep pool of local options to build their squads for the future.
The final count stands at 369 players who will await their fate in Abu Dhabi. With franchises looking to plug gaps and build winning combinations, the auction promises high drama, strategic bidding, and life-changing contracts for many on this list.
