IPL Auction 2026: Full players list, date, live streaming and purse details – All you need to know | Cricket News

IPL 2026 auction to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16 (ANI Photo)

The build-up to the Indian Premier League Auction 2026 has reached full intensity as franchises prepare for the mini-auction before the next major squad overhaul. The BCCI has confirmed that the event will be held on 16 December 2025 at the stunning Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, marking the league’s return to a high-profile overseas auction setting. With more than 1,300 players registering their names, the 2026 mini-auction promises a deep pool of talent that covers every role, skill-set and experience bracket. Several teams will enter the auction with significant budgets, ensuring that fans can expect heavy bidding, dramatic price surges and tactical manoeuvring from start to finish.

When and where to watch the IPL 2026 Auction

The auction will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network, offering full coverage across multiple channels. For online viewers, every moment of the auction will be streamed on Jiostar, ensuring easy access for fans across India on mobile, TV and web.

A massive auction pool: over 1,300 players registered

The auction register for IPL 2026 features one of the most extensive lists ever compiled for a mini-auction. According to Cricbuzz, the list comprises:

Some of the leading Indian players who have entered the auction include Mayank Agarwal, KS Bharat, Rahul Chahar, Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep, Deepak Hooda, Venkatesh Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Prithvi Shaw and Umesh Yadav. These names are expected to attract steady interest from teams searching for proven domestic performers. The overall list features players from 14 different countries, including strong entries from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the West Indies. Players from emerging cricket nations such as the USA, Scotland, the Netherlands and Malaysia have also registered.

Star-packed overseas contingent

The overseas section is loaded with high-value T20 specialists. The Rs 2 crore bracket alone includes names who are regular performers across major global leagues.

Players with Rs 2 crore base price

India: Ravi Bishnoi, Venkatesh Iyer Afghanistan: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq Australia: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Ben Cutting, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Steve Smith Bangladesh: Mustafizur Rahman England: Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Daniel Lawrence, Liam Livingstone, Tymal Mills, Jamie Smith New Zealand: Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, William O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra South Africa: Gerald Coetzee, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, David Wiese Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana West Indies: Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph With so many marquee players available, several teams are expected to target specific roles such as power-hitters, fast-bowling all-rounders and death-over specialists.

Team-wise purse remaining for IPL 2026 Auction

Following the retention deadline of 15 November, the 10 IPL franchises will walk into the auction with a combined purse of Rs 237.55 crore. Here is the complete purse breakdown, as provided:

KKR will enter the room with the most financial muscle, while Mumbai Indians—who have retained a large core—will have to operate with the smallest remaining purse. Across all teams, there are 77 slots to be filled, including 31 overseas vacancies. Teams with larger budgets are expected to chase high-impact international players, while others may focus on uncapped Indian talent to build depth.

Breakdown of the auction register

Franchises have until 3 December to propose additional entries and until 5 December to finalise their preferred list for the auction.

What lies ahead on 16 December

With a diverse mix of international stars, seasoned Indian performers and hundreds of uncapped prospects, the IPL Auction 2026 is set to be unpredictable and fast-paced. Teams with sizeable budgets, particularly KKR, CSK and SRH, could dominate the early bidding wars. Meanwhile, sides with limited funds will need to be strategic and precise. As the league moves closer to another season of high-action cricket, the auction in Abu Dhabi is expected to shape the balance of power for IPL 2026.