# IPL 2026 Auction: Complete Guide to Timing, Venue, Team Purses & Key Details

URL: https://technosports.co.in/ipl-2026-auction-complete-guide-to-timing/  
Published: 2025-12-16  
Updated: 2025-12-16  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

The countdown begins! The **IPL 2026 mini auction** is set to electrify Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025, as 359 players await their fate under the hammer. With franchises armed with Rs 237.55 crore collectively, cricket’s most anticipated player auction promises intense bidding wars and record-breaking deals.

## IPL 2026 Auction: Essential Information

| **Auction Details** | **Information** |
| --- | --- |
| **Date** | December 16, 2025 (Tuesday) |
| **Time** | 2:30 PM IST |
| **Venue** | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi |
| **Total Players** | 359 |
| **Available Slots** | 77 across 10 teams |
| **Total Purse** | Rs 237.55 crore |

## Team-Wise Purse and Available Slots

Understanding each franchise’s buying power is crucial for predicting auction strategies:

| **Team** | **Remaining Purse** | **Total Slots** | **Overseas Slots** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Rs 64.30 cr | 13 | 6 |
| Chennai Super Kings | Rs 43.40 cr | 9 | 4 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Rs 25.50 cr | 10 | 2 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Rs 22.95 cr | 6 | 4 |
| Delhi Capitals | Rs 21.80 cr | 8 | 5 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Rs 16.40 cr | 8 | 2 |
| Rajasthan Royals | Rs 16.05 cr | 9 | 1 |
| Gujarat Titans | Rs 12.90 cr | 5 | 4 |
| Punjab Kings | Rs 11.50 cr | 4 | 2 |
| Mumbai Indians | Rs 2.75 cr | 5 | 1 |

[Kolkata Knight Riders](https://technosports.co.in/ipl-teams/kolkata-knight-riders/) lead the pack with the deepest war chest, while defending champions will need strategic precision with limited funds.

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-443.png)

## The Cameron Green Salary Cap Mystery

Here’s the fascinating twist: Even if Australian all-rounder Cameron Green attracts bids exceeding Rs 25 crore, his actual season salary will be capped at **Rs 18 crore** (USD 1.9 million).

This stems from the IPL’s “maximum-fee” rule for mini auctions, which limits foreign player fees to the lower value between the highest retention slab (Rs 18 crore) and the previous mega auction’s top price (Rs 27 crore). While the bid amount gets deducted from the team’s purse, the player receives only Rs 18 crore maximum.

## Players to Watch

The auction features marquee names including:

- **Cameron Green** (Australia) – All-rounder expected to break records
- **Venkatesh Iyer** (India) – Power-hitting all-rounder
- **Liam Livingstone** (England) – Explosive finisher

These players could trigger bidding frenzies as teams look to fill crucial gaps in their [IPL 2026 squads](https://technosports.co.in/ipl-2026-teams-analysis/).

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-444.png)

## What Makes This Auction Special

Unlike mega auctions where teams rebuild from scratch, mini auctions require surgical precision. Franchises must identify specific role players who complement existing squads. With 77 slots available across ten teams, strategic planning separates champions from contenders.

For comprehensive updates and live coverage, visit the [official IPL website](https://www.iplt20.com/) and follow [BCCI’s official channels](https://www.bcci.tv/).

## Frequently Asked Questions

### **What time does the IPL 2026 auction start and where can I watch it?**

The IPL 2026 mini auction begins at 2:30 PM IST on December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The event will be broadcast live on major sports channels and streaming platforms. With 359 players in the auction pool and franchises wielding Rs 237.55 crore in combined purse money, fans can expect hours of thrilling bidding action as teams complete their rosters for the upcoming season.

### **Why is Cameron Green’s salary capped at Rs 18 crore despite higher bids?**

The IPL’s “maximum-fee” rule for mini auctions creates this unique scenario. Foreign players can only earn up to Rs 18 crore (the highest retention slab) regardless of their winning bid amount. So if a team bids Rs 25 crore for Green, that amount deducts from their purse, but Green receives only Rs 18 crore as salary. This rule applies specifically to overseas players in mini auctions, distinguishing it from mega auction regulations where Rishabh Pant commanded Rs 27 crore in 2025.