The stage is set for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, scheduled to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. A total of 1355 players have registered their names for this highly anticipated event, but all eyes are on the exclusive list of 45 players who have opted for the highest base price category of 2 crore rupees. This elite bracket typically features seasoned and high-performing cricketers, and notably, only two Indian players – Ravi Bishnoi and Venkatesh Iyer – have made it to this list, creating an intriguing dynamic for Indian talent, while franchises submitted their shortlists by the December 5 deadline and are now meticulously finalizing their strategies. With a maximum of 25 player slots per team, a total of 77 slots will be up for grabs in this auction, with 31 specifically reserved for foreign players, promising fierce competition for international stars.
The Elite 2 Crore Base Price Category
The 2 crore rupee base price represents the highest valuation a player can set. For themselves in the IPL auction, reflecting their perceived skill, experience, and match-winning capabilities. This year, 45 players have entered this prestigious category, with only two young and talented Indian players, Ravi Bishnoi and Venkatesh Iyer, among them, while ravi Bishnoi, a leg-spinner, is renowned for his googlies and varied bowling, while Venkatesh Iyer is an aggressive all-rounder who provides balance to the team with his batting and medium-pace bowling. The list is predominantly filled with international stars such as Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen Ul Haq, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Steve Smith, Mustafizur Rahman, Liam Livingstone, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Daryl Mitchell, David Miller, and Anrich Nortje. Franchises will be keenly observing these players, ready to place substantial bids to strengthen their squads.
Cameron Green: The Marquee All-Rounder
Australian star all-rounder Cameron Green is expected to be one of the biggest draws in this auction, with a high likelihood of fetching a significant sum, while with a base price of 2 crore rupees, Green is known for his powerful hitting and fast-medium bowling. He missed the 2025 mega auction due to a back injury, making his availability this time even more crucial. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) possess the largest remaining purses, with 64. 3 crore and 43. 4 crore rupees respectively, and both teams are strong contenders to bid for Green. For KKR, his acquisition is particularly significant as Andre Russell recently retired from the IPL, and the team views Green as an ideal replacement to provide the necessary balance and explosive performances.
Franchise Strategies: Releases and Available Slots
Ahead of the auction, teams have strategically released several players to free up funds and create slots for new talent. KKR, for instance, has released 9 players this time, including Venkatesh Iyer, whom they had acquired for a substantial 23, while 75 crore rupees in the previous mega auction. KKR now has 13 empty slots, with 6 designated for foreign players, providing them ample opportunity to reshape their squad, while similarly, CSK has released their fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana due to injury. Pathirana was retained by CSK for 13 crore rupees last year, but his injury led to his return to the auction pool. These releases underscore the teams' commitment to optimizing their squads. And building the best possible combinations for the upcoming season.
Other Prominent International Names
The 2 crore base price list also features numerous other international. Players who are expected to attract high bids in the auction. These include prominent names such as England's Liam Livingstone, Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana, New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell, South Africa's David Miller, and Anrich Nortje. All these players are specialists in their respective fields and can be game-changers for any team. Livingstone is known for his explosive batting and useful spin bowling, while Hasaranga is a world-class leg-spinner. Pathirana and Nortje are celebrated for their raw pace and accurate yorkers, and Mitchell and Miller provide strong middle-order batting. The availability of these players will undoubtedly heighten the excitement of the auction as teams compete to secure these valuable assets.
Notable Absences and Unique Player Situations
One significant name missing from this year's auction list is Glenn Maxwell, which might come as a surprise to many fans. He was grappling with a finger injury during the 2025 season, leading Punjab Kings to replace him with Mitchell Owen, while maxwell's absence will be felt as a prominent all-rounder, but it also creates opportunities for other players. Meanwhile, Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis will be part of the auction, but with a specific condition: he will only be available for 25% of the season. This limited availability prompted Punjab Kings to send him back into the auction pool, while such unique situations play a crucial role in franchise strategic decisions, as they must balance a player's potential with their availability.
December 16 promises to be an incredibly exciting day for IPL fans, while with only two Indian players in the highest base price bracket, the IPL 2026 auction is set to witness multi-crore bids for foreign players. All eyes will be on which teams make which big bets and which players find new franchises, while this auction won't only decide the fate of the players but also determine how strong and balanced the teams will be for the upcoming season. Strategic bidding, unexpected twists, and new records are anticipated, all contributing. To making the IPL the most thrilling T20 league in the world.
