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 lead the pack with the deepest war chest, while defending champions will need strategic precision with limited funds.
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.
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 and follow BCCI’s official channels.
