English
English
English
The 2026 mini auction saw a foreign star break all records, teams spend over Rs 215 crore, and KKR go all-in. Who cashed big, who missed out, and how did it change the season ahead? Read the article for full story.
Cameron Green becomes the most expensive overseas player
Abu Dhabi: The mini auction for the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was held on Tuesday, December 16, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, witnessing intense bidding from all 10 franchises. A total of ₹215.45 crore was spent during the IPL 2026 auction, with teams collectively purchasing 77 players.
The highlight of the auction was Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who emerged as the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured his services for a massive ₹25.20 crore, surpassing the previous record held by Mitchell Starc, who was bought by KKR for ₹24.75 crore in 2024.
IPL 2026 DC Squad: List of players bought by Delhi Capitals
With a substantial purse of ₹64.3 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders dominated the auction, investing heavily in Cameron Green and Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who was picked up for ₹18 crore. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), holding a purse of ₹43.4 crore, also remained active and added several unsold players to strengthen their squad.
Apart from Green, several high-profile players attracted attention. Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for ₹7 crore. South African pacer Anrich Nortje and Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga were picked up by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹2 crore each.
The mini auction was crucial for franchises as they prepare for the IPL 2026 season, scheduled to begin on March 31, 2026. Around 369 players were listed in the auction, making it a decisive event for squad rebuilding.
IPL 2026 MI Full Squad: What smart moves did Mumbai Indians pull off with almost no money?
David Miller (South Africa) – ₹2 crore, Delhi Capitals
Cameron Green (Australia) – ₹25.20 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – ₹2 crore, Lucknow Super Giants
Venkatesh Iyer (India) – ₹7 crore, Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – ₹1 crore, Mumbai Indians
Ben Duckett (England) – ₹2 crore, Delhi Capitals
Finn Allen (New Zealand) – ₹2 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders
Jacob Duffy (New Zealand) – ₹2 crore, Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka) – ₹18 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders
Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – ₹2 crore, Lucknow Super Giants
Ravi Bishnoi (India) – ₹7.20 crore, Rajasthan Royals
Akeal Hosein (West Indies) – ₹2 crore, Chennai Super Kings
Akib Nabi – ₹8.40 crore, Delhi Capitals
Prashant Veer – ₹14.20 crore, Chennai Super Kings
Shivang Kumar – ₹30 lakh, Sunrisers Hyderabad
