The IPL 2026 Mini-Auction is currently underway at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi today, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with franchises engaging in an intense bidding war to fill the remaining 77 slots in their squads.
The auction has already shattered records, with a focus on high-value all-rounders and surprising splurges on uncapped Indian talent.
Record-Breaking Overseas Buy: Cameron Green
The biggest story of the day involves Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who became the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history.
- The Price: Green was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a staggering ₹25.20 crore.
- The Battle: The deal followed an intense bidding war, primarily between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with KKR emerging victorious to secure the top-tier talent.
- Record: This bid surpasses the previous overseas record held by Mitchell Starc. While the bid amount is deducted from KKR’s total purse, Green’s final salary for the season will be capped at ₹18 crore due to the IPL’s maximum-fee rule for overseas players in a mini-auction.
Key Auction Highlights and Surprise Buys
Kolkata Knight Riders, who entered the auction with the largest purse (₹64.30 crore) and 13 slots to fill, have dominated the early bidding:
| Player | Type | Winning Team | Sold Price | Key Detail |
| Cameron Green | Australian All-rounder | KKR | ₹25.20 crore | Most expensive overseas player ever. |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Sri Lankan Pacer | KKR | ₹18 crore | Signed at the overseas player maximum fee cap. |
| Prashant Veer | Uncapped Indian | CSK | ₹14.20 crore | Massive splurge on an uncapped Indian talent. |
| Kartik Sharma | Uncapped Indian | CSK | ₹14.20 crore | CSK goes big on two uncapped youngsters. |
| Auqib Nabi | Uncapped Indian Pacer | Delhi Capitals | ₹8.40 crore | J&K pacer sold for 28 times his base price. |
| Venkatesh Iyer | Indian All-rounder | RCB | ₹7 crore | High price for a known IPL performer. |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Indian Spinner | Rajasthan Royals | ₹7.20 crore | Highly sought-after Indian spinner. |
Major Unsold Names
Several established international and domestic stars failed to attract a buyer in the initial rounds, highlighting the franchises’ strategic focus:
- International: Rachin Ravindra, Liam Livingstone, Devon Conway, Jonny Bairstow, Prithvi Shaw, and Deepak Hooda.
Auction Details
- Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.
- Time: The auction began at 2:30 PM IST.
- Players Shortlisted: 369 players are available, competing for a maximum of 77 available slots (31 overseas).
- Top Purse: Kolkata Knight Riders (₹64.30 crore).
- Smallest Purse: Mumbai Indians (₹2.75 crore).
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