IPL auction 2026 is more than just a list of names and numbers — it’s the strategic heart of franchise cricket. Every bid will be scrutinised, every decision debated by fans and pundits alike, and every squad built here will carry the hopes of a title charge. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard supporter, this auction sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling IPL season.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction is officially set for 16 December 2025 at the prestigious Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with all eyes on a day of high-stakes bidding and strategic squad building. This year’s event marks the third consecutive IPL auction hosted outside India — a reflection of the league’s global reach and commercial strength.
As franchises prepare for the 19th edition of the IPL, the mini auction serves as the final stage in shaping rosters for the upcoming season. With 350 players shortlisted, teams have 77 remaining squad slots to fill, while managing purse limits and tactical needs.
Why This Mini Auction Matters
Unlike a mega auction — where franchises release large portions of their squads — the IPL mini auction is all about precision. Teams have already finalized retentions, keeping a core group of impactful performers. The auction now gives them the chance to address gaps, reinforce weak areas, and secure emerging talent.
This condensed format forces decision-makers to be sharper with their budgets, as every bid could determine the balance between strength and depth for the entire season. The remaining purse across all 10 franchises totals hundreds of crores of rupees, but how each team deploys that budget will be fascinating to watch.
Date, Venue & Broadcast: Mark Your Calendar
Date: 16 December 2025
Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Start Time: Around mid-afternoon (local/IST)
Telecast & Streaming: Star Sports Network (TV) and JioHotstar/digital platforms
The action is expected to unfold as live bidding, expert commentary, and player announcements are streamed to millions of cricket fans worldwide. Streaming options make it easy to follow every bid and auction moment in real time, whether you’re watching on TV or a mobile device.
The Player Pool: Stars, Veterans & Rising Talent
The BCCI trimmed an original pool of over 1,390 registered players down to 350 candidates who will actually go under the hammer on auction day. This final roster features a mix of seasoned internationals, domestic stalwarts, and exciting uncapped cricketers.
Key details about the auction player pool:
- Total Shortlisted: ~350 players
- Indian Players: ~240
- Overseas Players: ~110
- Available Slots: 77 total (including a fixed number of overseas spots)
- Base Price Brackets: Highest group of ~40 players at ₹2 crore base price
- Capped & Uncapped Mix: Capped internationals and domestic uncapped talent together enhance competition for bids.
Among the marquee names expected to attract heavy interest are Cameron Green, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Liam Livingstone, and Rachin Ravindra, all of whom bring a blend of power, skill, and IPL experience.
Top Players to Watch in the Auction
Auction speculation is already buzzing around several high-profile cricketers who could dominate the bidding wars:
- Cameron Green: World-class all-rounder, likely to draw major bids.
- Devon Conway: Proven T20 performer with IPL impact.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk: Explosive batter with breakout potential.
- David Miller & Liam Livingstone: Seasoned hitters who can change games.
These players head into the mini auction with significant base prices and high expectations from multiple franchises eager to bolster their batting and bowling power.
Purse Strategy & Team Tactics
Every franchise enters the mini auction with a unique set of constraints and opportunities. For example, some teams enter with large remaining purses and numerous slots open, while others have tighter budgets and fewer selections to make — forcing a strategic prioritization of roles and matchups.
Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders have substantial war chests and multiple slots open, giving them flexibility to pursue big names or balance their squad. In contrast, franchises with limited funds must be targeted in their bids, seeking maximum impact from every rupee spent.
What Fans Should Expect on Auction Day
Cricket fans can anticipate a dramatic day filled with:
- Bidding wars for top talent
- Strategic picks to balance batting, bowling & all-round departments
- Surprises as teams pivot their plans based on early bids
- Commentary and analysis offering context for every purchase
From uncapped domestic stars earning their first big break to overseas performers returning to global T20 spotlight, the auction is where careers are reshaped and franchise fortunes reimagined.