The stage is being set for a mega Indian Premier League auction in 2026, with the first major player list now unveiled. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has circulated a preliminary long list of cricketers to the ten franchises, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the potential player pool. The most eye-catching detail is the formation of a premium Rs 2 crore base price bracket, headlined by Australian all-rounder Cameron Green.
Star-Studded Rs 2 Crore Club and Notable Absences
Australian power-hitter Cameron Green finds himself in an elite group as one of the few players with a staggering base price of Rs 2 crore for the IPL 2026 auction. This places him among the most valuable potential acquisitions right from the outset. However, the list has generated as much buzz for who is not on it. In a surprising move, Australian veteran and big-hitting maestro Glenn Maxwell has not been included in this initial long list circulated to teams.
This does not definitively rule Maxwell out of the 2026 season, but it indicates he is not currently in the pool of players franchises can immediately consider for retention or drafting discussions. His absence will be a major talking point, given his explosive match-winning capabilities.
Other Key Names in the High-Value Mix
Beyond Cameron Green, the long list features several other prominent international stars with significant base prices, setting the scene for a high-stakes auction. The list includes:
- Sam Curran: The English all-rounder, a previous record signing, is in the mix.
- Kagiso Rabada: The premier South African fast bowler is available.
- Mitchell Starc: The Australian left-arm pace ace, who commanded a historic price in the 2024 auction, is listed.
- Pat Cummins: Australia's World Cup-winning captain and a premium fast bowler is another top name.
- Travis Head: The destructive Australian opener, known for his big-game performances.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: The Sri Lankan spin wizard and lethal leg-spinner.
This preliminary list serves as a starting point for franchises to begin their strategic planning. Teams will now assess these players alongside their existing squads to make crucial decisions about player retentions and releases ahead of the auction.
Strategic Implications for IPL Franchises
The release of this long list marks the unofficial beginning of the IPL 2026 auction cycle. Franchise management and think tanks will now dive deep into analytics, balancing these available star names with their core retained players. The presence of multiple world-class all-rounders like Green and Curran in the top bracket will be particularly appealing for teams looking to build a balanced side.
The exclusion of Glenn Maxwell from the list is a strategic curveball. It could be a procedural oversight, a decision by the player himself, or a move that will be corrected in a later update. For now, it forces franchises to recalibrate plans that might have included the Australian as a key target.
With the auction still some time away, this list is expected to evolve. More players may be added, and base prices could be adjusted based on player and franchise feedback. However, one thing is clear: the IPL 2026 player market is open for business, and the battle to secure the services of Cameron Green and other top-tier stars has already begun in the boardrooms.
