IPL 2026 Auction: Records Tumble as Green and Uncapped Stars Cash In

New Delhi, December 17, 2025: The landscape of the Indian Premier League (IPL) shifted dramatically on Tuesday as the 2026 Mini-Auction concluded at the Etihad Arena. While the event was technically a “mini” auction to fine-tune squads, the bidding was anything but small. Records were shattered, and new millionaires were minted in a high-octane session that saw franchises spend a combined total of approximately ₹215 crore.

The Big Catch: Cameron Green’s Historic Move

The headline of the night belonged to Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. In a fierce bidding war that saw several teams push their limits, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) eventually secured his services for a staggering ₹25.20 crore.

Despite the eye-popping price tag, a new BCCI rule ensures that Green’s actual salary is capped at ₹18 crore (the highest retention slab), with the excess amount going toward the BCCI’s player development fund. KKR didn’t stop there, also snagging Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore, signaling their intent to dominate the 2026 season.

The Rise of the Uncapped Heroes

Perhaps the most inspiring story of the auction was the massive payday for India’s domestic talent. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), known for their strategic patience, shocked the room by spending a combined ₹28.40 crore on two uncapped players:

• Prashant Veer: The 20-year-old left-arm spinner from Uttar Pradesh was bought for ₹14.20 crore.
• Kartik Sharma: The 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan also fetched ₹14.20 crore.

Both players smashed the previous record for the most expensive uncapped signing (formerly held by Avesh Khan at ₹10 crore), proving that franchises are now willing to pay “marquee prices” for homegrown scouting gems.

Key Team Moves and Noteworthy Buys

• Mumbai Indians (MI): Entering with the smallest purse (₹2.75 crore), MI played it smart by bringing back veteran opener Quinton de Kock for his base price of ₹1 crore.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): The defending champions added experience to their ranks by signing Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Known for their aggressive batting philosophy, SRH splurged ₹13 crore on England’s explosive all-rounder Liam Livingstone.
• Delhi Capitals (DC): They secured the “surprise pick” of the evening, Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar, for ₹8.40 crore.

Looking Ahead to IPL 2026

With the auction now over, all 10 franchises have finalized their 25-man rosters. The 19th edition of the IPL is officially scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026, with the grand finale set for May 31.

The 2026 season promises a fascinating mix of legendary veterans and overnight millionaires, setting the stage for one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent memory.