Abu Dhabi, December 16, 2025 – The IPL 2026 auction concluded yesterday with jaw-dropping records, unexpected outcomes, and franchise strategies that will shape the upcoming season. From Cameron Green’s historic ₹25.20 crore deal to shocking snubs of established stars, this auction had it all.

The Headline Makers: Record-Breaking Buys

Cameron Green Creates History

The auction’s biggest moment came when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made Australian all-rounder Cameron Green the most expensive overseas player in IPL history at ₹25.20 crore. The fierce bidding war between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kept the auction hall on edge before KKR emerged victorious.

Green’s versatility as a batting all-rounder who can bowl crucial overs makes him invaluable in the T20 format. His ability to bat anywhere in the order and provide seam-bowling options gives KKR tremendous tactical flexibility. Under IPL’s overseas player rules, Green will earn ₹18 crore for the season, with the remaining amount going to BCCI’s player development program.

The Uncapped Sensation: Prashant Veer’s Cinderella Story

In perhaps the auction’s most surprising moment, 20-year-old left-arm spinner Prashant Veer from Uttar Pradesh became the most expensive uncapped player in IPL history at ₹14.20 crore. Entering with a modest ₹30 lakh base price, the youngster saw his value skyrocket as CSK engaged in aggressive bidding.

CSK didn’t stop there—they also secured another uncapped player, Kartik Sharma, for the same astronomical price of ₹14.20 crore. This dual investment signals CSK’s clear strategy: building for the future while leveraging their legendary ability to nurture young talent.

Matheesha Pathirana: The ₹18 Crore Yorker Specialist

Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana became the costliest Sri Lankan player ever when KKR paid ₹18 crore to secure his services. Known for his lethal yorkers and unorthodox bowling action reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, Pathirana brings death-over expertise that every IPL team desperately needs.

The bidding started aggressively with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants showing strong interest before KKR sealed the deal. Unlike Green, Pathirana receives the full ₹18 crore as it falls within the standard salary cap regulations.

Top 10 Most Expensive Buys

Rank	Player	Team	Price (₹ Crore)	Category
1	Cameron Green	KKR	25.20	Overseas All-rounder
2	Matheesha Pathirana	KKR	18.00	Overseas Bowler
3	Prashant Veer	CSK	14.20	Uncapped Indian
4	Kartik Sharma	CSK	14.20	Uncapped Indian
5	Josh Inglis	LSG	8.60	Overseas WK-Batsman
6	Auqib Nabi Dar	DC	8.40	Indian All-rounder
7	Ravi Bishnoi	RR	7.20	Indian Bowler
8	Venkatesh Iyer	RCB	7.00	Indian All-rounder
9	Jason Holder	CSK	6.50	Overseas All-rounder
10	Liam Livingstone	GT	6.00	Overseas All-rounder

Auction by the Numbers

The IPL 2026 auction featured 359 players in the initial pool—246 Indians and 113 overseas cricketers—competing for 77 available slots across 10 franchises. The total available purse stood at ₹237.55 crore, with teams eventually spending ₹215.45 crore.

Pre-Auction Purse Distribution

Kolkata Knight Riders entered with the largest war chest at ₹64.30 crore and 13 slots to fill, giving them maximum flexibility. Chennai Super Kings had ₹43.40 crore for 9 players, while Mumbai Indians operated with the tightest budget at just ₹2.75 crore for 5 players—a constraint that significantly impacted their bidding strategy.

Team Strategies: Winners and Losers

KKR’s Aggressive Approach

KKR’s strategy was clear: go big on quality over quantity. By securing Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana, they’ve built a formidable overseas core. Despite having the largest purse, KKR became the first team to complete their 25-player squad, demonstrating decisive, front-loaded spending.

Their willingness to break records shows they’re building a championship-contending squad for multiple seasons. The Green-Pathirana combination provides batting depth, bowling variety, and crucial death-over capabilities.

CSK’s Youth Investment

Chennai Super Kings made headlines with their unprecedented investment in uncapped talent. Spending ₹28.40 crore on just two uncapped players (Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma) is a massive gamble, but it aligns perfectly with CSK’s historical success in talent development.

The franchise that turned Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, and Ruturaj Gaikwad into stars is betting big on their scouting network and coaching infrastructure. They also added experienced campaigners like Jason Holder and Matt Henry to balance youth with experience.

CSK’s accelerated round activity saw them pick up Sarfaraz Khan, who was shockingly unsold initially, proving their ability to identify value picks.

RCB’s Balanced Build

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defending champions after their historic maiden title in IPL 2025, focused on building a balanced squad. Their acquisition of Venkatesh Iyer at ₹7 crore adds much-needed all-round capability and left-handed batting depth.

RCB’s late picks in the accelerated round, including Kanishk Chauhan at ₹30 lakh, show they’re mixing star power with budget-friendly talent.

Mumbai Indians’ Budget Constraints

Operating with only ₹2.75 crore, Mumbai Indians had to be surgical in their approach. Their biggest win was securing South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore—exceptional value for a player of his caliber. This shrewd acquisition could prove to be one of the auction’s smartest moves.

The Shocking Snubs: Big Names Unsold

Perhaps the most discussed aspect of any IPL auction is which established players fail to find buyers. IPL 2026 delivered several surprises.

Devon Conway’s Unexpected Rejection

New Zealand’s Devon Conway, entering with a ₹2 crore base price, shockingly remained unsold despite his proven T20 credentials and versatility as a top-order batsman who can keep wickets. His exclusion suggests franchises prioritized other combinations or felt his base price was too high.

Spencer Johnson and the Overseas Glut

Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson’s unsold status highlights the fierce competition in the overseas pace department. With teams already securing the likes of Pathirana, Green (who bowls), and other established names, Johnson couldn’t find a slot despite his potential.

Prithvi Shaw’s Roller Coaster

Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw’s initial unsold status sent shockwaves through social media. The talented batsman, once considered India’s future, has seen his stock fall due to inconsistency and off-field concerns. However, he eventually found a home in the accelerated round, giving him a chance to rebuild his IPL career.

The South African Contingent

Lungi Ngidi’s inability to attract bids at his ₹2 crore base price, despite his international pedigree, shows how quickly T20 cricket evolves. Franchises are increasingly prioritizing younger, more versatile options over established names with specific skill sets.

Daryl Mitchell’s unsold status despite his previous association with CSK suggests teams are moving away from the traditional “anchor” batsman role in T20s, preferring aggressive stroke-makers.

Other Notable Unsold Players

• Deepak Hooda: The middle-order batsman and part-time bowler couldn’t find takers
• Rachin Ravindra: Despite New Zealand success, remained unsold
• Jamie Smith: The young English wicketkeeper-batsman missed out
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Afghanistan’s explosive opener surprisingly unsold initially

Accelerated Round Drama

The accelerated round—where unsold players return at reduced prices—provided several intriguing storylines. Sarfaraz Khan, initially overlooked, found a home with CSK, a franchise known for giving second chances that turn into success stories.

Teams used this round strategically to fill specific gaps without breaking the bank, with several players secured at base prices of ₹30-75 lakh.

Unique Auction Facts & Records

Several interesting patterns emerged from this year’s auction:

Overseas Quota Management: Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants filled only 7 of their 8 available overseas slots, choosing to retain purse flexibility rather than complete their foreign player quota. This strategic restraint could give them an advantage in mid-season replacements.

Third Consecutive Overseas Auction: For the third year running, the IPL auction was held outside India—Dubai (2024), Jeddah (2025), and now Abu Dhabi (2026). This trend reflects the IPL’s growing global footprint.

Final Player: Kyle Jamieson went to Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore as the auction’s final purchase, closing proceedings in Abu Dhabi.

Looking Ahead: IPL 2026 Season

The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 31, 2026. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will defend their maiden title after their historic breakthrough in IPL 2025, ending a 17-year wait.

With new team compositions locked in, several fascinating storylines will unfold:

• Can KKR’s expensive acquisitions deliver a championship?
• Will CSK’s gamble on uncapped talent pay dividends?
• How will RCB defend their first-ever title?
• Can Mumbai Indians compete effectively despite budget constraints?

Franchise-Wise Auction Performance

Best Value Signings

• Quinton de Kock to MI (₹1 crore): Exceptional value
• Sarfaraz Khan to CSK (Accelerated round): Second chance that could pay off
• Luke Wood to GT (₹75 lakh): Quality overseas pace at base price

Questionable Investments

• ₹28.40 crore on two uncapped players (CSK): High risk, potentially high reward
• Several ₹2 crore base price rejections: Suggests market recalibration

Smart Strategic Moves

• KKR’s front-loaded spending: Secured top targets without prolonged bidding wars
• MI’s targeted approach: Made budget constraints work with shrewd picks
• RR’s balanced acquisitions: Mixed established names with emerging talent

The Bigger Picture: IPL’s Evolution

This auction reflects broader trends in T20 cricket:

Youth Over Experience: The record prices for uncapped players signal franchises’ willingness to bet on potential rather than proven track records.

All-Rounder Premium: Six of the top 10 buys were all-rounders, reflecting the format’s demand for versatile players.

Death-Over Specialists: Bowlers like Pathirana, who command premium prices, demonstrate the value of specific skills in T20 cricket.

Market Correction: Several high-profile players going unsold suggest a recalibration of player valuations based on recent performances and team requirements.

Conclusion: Setting the Stage for IPL 2026

The IPL 2026 auction delivered everything fans expected—records, shocks, strategic masterstrokes, and puzzling decisions. As teams finalize their preparations, the ₹215.45 crore investment across 77 players will be put to the test starting March 26.

Cameron Green’s historic deal, CSK’s bold youth strategy, and the shocking snubs of established stars have set up a season filled with compelling narratives. Will the expensive buys justify their price tags? Can the unsold players prove franchises wrong? Will uncapped sensations become household names?

One thing is certain: IPL 2026 promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with every auction decision about to face the ultimate test on the cricket field. The stage is set, the teams are ready, and cricket fans worldwide are counting down to March 26, 2026.