IPL auction 2026: Live Updates , Telecast Details , Players List
| Date | Today, Tuesday, December 16, 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi |
| Total Slots | 77 (31 Overseas) |
🔥 Bidding War in Abu Dhabi: Franchises Set to Finalize 2026 Squads
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction kicks off today at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. With a pool of 359 players (244 Indians and 115 overseas) competing for just 77 available slots, the stakes have never been higher. This marks the third consecutive year the auction is being held outside India, following events in Dubai and Jeddah.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) enter the room with the heaviest pockets, boasting a massive ₹64.3 crore purse, followed by Chennai Super Kings with ₹43.4 crore. In contrast, Mumbai Indians face a tactical challenge with the smallest purse of just ₹2.75 crore. A new "Maximum Fee Rule" is also in play, capping overseas player salaries at ₹18 crore regardless of the bid amount.
- Event: IPL 2026 Mini Auction
- Date: Today, Tuesday, December 16, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM IST
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar App & Website
- TV Telecast: Star Sports Network
📊 Purse Details & Team Strategy
Top Purses (Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad)
KKR has 13 slots to fill and the funds to dominate any bidding war. CSK, having released big names like Ravindra Jadeja earlier (who moved to RR), will look to rebuild their middle order. SRH holds ₹25.5 crore and needs to fill 10 slots to balance their squad.
The Tight Budgets (Mumbai, Punjab, Gujarat)
Mumbai Indians have only ₹2.75 crore left and just 5 slots to fill, meaning they will likely target specific uncapped domestic talent. Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans also have limited budgets and must bid conservatively to round out their 25-man rosters.
⭐ Players to Watch
- Cameron Green (All-rounder): Expected to be the biggest name in Set 1. Despite the ₹18cr salary cap, his bid could theoretically touch ₹30cr in purse deduction.
- Venkatesh Iyer (All-rounder): One of the few Indian capped players in the ₹2 crore bracket; high demand expected from KKR and RCB.
- Quinton de Kock (Wicket-keeper): A surprise late addition to the auction pool who could spark a massive bidding war for teams needing an opener.
- Matheesha Pathirana (Bowler): The Sri Lankan slinger is back in the pool and will be the primary target for teams looking for a death-overs specialist.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- The ₹18 Crore Ceiling: How teams manage their purse when bidding for overseas stars like Green and Conway under the new BCCI salary cap rules.
- KKR vs. The Field: With ₹64.3 crore, KKR can outbid anyone. Their strategy will dictate the market price for top-tier all-rounders.
- Uncapped Indian Gems: With over 200 uncapped Indians, the "accelerated round" will be crucial for teams with smaller purses like MI and GT.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
This mini-auction is expected to be defined by high-value bids for all-rounders and overseas pacers. Expect Cameron Green to potentially break the record for the highest bid in purse value, even if his take-home pay is capped. KKR and CSK are likely to walk away as the "winners" of the day given their superior financial firepower.
Predicted Most Expensive Buy: Cameron Green (₹25 Cr+ Bid Value)
Who will be the surprise millionaire of the day? Will your favorite team secure the missing piece of their puzzle? Stay tuned as the hammer goes down at 2:30 PM IST!
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