1. IPL 2026 Auction – Overview
The auction was conducted after teams submitted their retention lists on 15 November 2025. About 173 players were retained, and the mini auction featured a large pool of Indian and overseas players competing for slots in the 10 IPL teams.
🗓️ Auction Date: 16 Dec 2025
📍 Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
📺 Broadcast: Star Sports & JioCinema
💼 Teams Participating: 10 (same as 2025 season)
2. Record Bids & Biggest Deals
⭐ Cameron Green – Most Expensive Overseas Buy
Australia all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history by going to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a massive ₹25.20 crore. This made him one of the most sought-after players at the auction. NDTV Sports+1
🔥 KKR’s Other Big Buy – Matheesha Pathirana
KKR didn’t stop at Green — Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was bought for ₹18 crore, reinforcing their squad with quality pace. NDTV Sports
💥 CSK’s Uncapped Stars Make History
Chennai Super Kings shocked everyone by signing uncapped Indian talents Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma at whopping ₹14.20 crore each — making them the most expensive uncapped buys in IPL auction history.
3. Sold & Unsold Players – Key Insights
The auction saw 77 players sold out of 369 registered, with the franchises spending a total of approximately ₹215.45 crore to complete their squads. NDTV Sports
🏏 Top Sold Players & Prices
Here are some of the major players and their winning bids:
| Player | Team | Winning Bid |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Green | KKR | ₹25.20 cr |
| Matheesha Pathirana | KKR | ₹18 cr |
| Prashant Veer | CSK | ₹14.20 cr |
| Kartik Sharma | CSK | ₹14.20 cr |
| Liam Livingstone | SRH | ₹13 cr |
| Mustafizur Rahman | KKR | ₹9.20 cr |
| Josh Inglis | LSG | ₹8.60 cr |
| Auqib Dar | DC | ₹8.40 cr |
| Ravi Bishnoi | RR | ₹7.20 cr |
| Venkatesh Iyer | RCB | ₹7 cr |
4. Surprise Picks & Fan Favorites
🙌 Prithvi Shaw & Sarfaraz Khan Return
Despite initial doubts, both Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan found buyers after some back-and-forth in bidding rounds — showing franchises still value domestic T20 performers. The Times of India
🇦🇺 Cooper Connolly to PBKS
Young Australian Cooper Connolly was snapped up by Punjab Kings for ₹3 crore, seen as a strategic investment for future middle-order strength. Navbharat Times
🌀 Wanindu Hasaranga Strengthens LSG
Experienced Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹2 crore, adding spin depth to the bowling lineup. Navbharat Times
5. Team Strategies After Auction
Each franchise adopted different approaches:
💜 KKR went all-out for match-winners and big overseas talent.
💛 CSK surprised with record money on uncapped Indian players.
🟡 SRH & RCB balanced overseas impact players with domestic prospects.
🔵 DC & PBKS focused on consistent performers and young talent depth.
Franchise strategies varied based on retained players and budget left before the auction. The Times of India
6. What This Means for IPL 2026 Season
With the auction complete:
📌 IPL 2026 is scheduled from 26 March to 31 May 2026. NDTV Sports
📌 Teams are now shaping final squads and planning pre-season camps.
📌 Fans can expect exciting matchups and renewed rivalries.
The mix of experienced pros and high-potential newcomers promises a thrilling T20 season ahead.
Summary – 5 Key Takeaways
✔ Cameron Green sets a new record as the most expensive overseas buy. NDTV Sports
✔ CSK’s historic uncapped signings mark a new chapter in auction trends. NDTV Sports
✔ 77 players sold with total spending over ₹215 crore. NDTV Sports
✔ Fan favorites like Shaw & Sarfaraz find IPL teams again. The Times of India
✔ IPL 2026 promises a balanced mix of seasoned and emerging stars.
