The IPL 2026 auction is heating up with 359 players shortlisted from an initial pool of 1,290. With 10 franchises competing for just 77 slots—including only 31 overseas spots—the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi promises intense bidding wars.
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IPL 2026: Auction Overview
The BCCI has finalized the player pool, cutting down to 110 overseas players and 224 uncapped Indians. Cameron Green leads the international contingent as the most anticipated signing after missing the mega auction due to injury. England’s Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson are also expected to generate significant interest.
Quick Stats
| Category | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| Capped Indians | 16 |
| Capped Overseas | 98 |
| Uncapped Indians | 230 |
| Uncapped Overseas | 14 |
| Associate Players | 1 |
| Total | 359 |
Top Nations at IPL 2026 Auction
England dominates with 21 players, followed by Australia (20) and New Zealand (16). Here’s the complete breakdown:
Country-Wise Distribution:
- 🏴 England: 21 players
- 🇦🇺 Australia: 20 players
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand: 16 players
- 🇿🇦 South Africa: 16 players
- 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka: 12 players
- 🇦🇫 Afghanistan: 10 players
- 🇦🇬 West Indies: 9 players
- 🇧🇩 Bangladesh: 7 players
Players to Watch
Premium Bracket (₹2 Crore): 38 overseas players have listed themselves at the highest base price, but with limited slots, competition will be fierce. Cameron Green tops the list after recovering from injury and being available for the entire season.
English Contingent: Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith headline England’s strong 21-player roster, bringing Test credentials and T20 prowess.
Australia’s Depth: From seasoned campaigners like Steve Smith to rising stars like Jake Fraser-McGurk, Australia offers balanced options across batting, bowling, and all-round departments.
For franchises looking to strengthen their squads, check out IPL team strategies and player performance metrics.
FAQs
Q: How many overseas players can each IPL team sign at the 2026 auction?
A: Each franchise has varying overseas slots available depending on their retentions, but collectively there are only 31 overseas positions to fill across all 10 teams from a pool of 110 international players.
Q: Who are the most expensive players at the IPL 2026 auction?
A: Cameron Green is expected to command the highest bid after missing the mega auction. Other premium prospects include Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and several top-tier Australian and New Zealand all-rounders, all listed at the ₹2 crore base price.
