The IPL 2026 auction took place today in Abu Dhabi, with all ten franchises vying to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. A total of 369 players were up for grabs, from an initial list of 1390 registered players, including 246 Indians and 113 overseas players. The auction saw a mix of intense bidding wars and surprising snubs, as teams strategically allocated their resources.
Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) entered the auction with the largest purse, holding ₹64.30 crore. With 77 slots available across all teams, including 31 for overseas players, the competition was fierce.
Key Highlights:
- Surprising Unsold Players: In a shocking turn of events, Australian all-rounder Jake Fraser-McGurk went unsold despite his impressive T20 record. Prithvi Shaw, once touted as the next Sachin Tendulkar, also found no takers.
- Strategic Buys: Delhi Capitals secured David Miller for his base price of ₹2 crore.
- KKR's Aggressive Bidding: In a mock auction, Cameron Green was acquired by KKR for ₹30.50 crore.
List of Sold Players:
| Player | Team | Price (INR) | | :------------ | :--------------- | :---------- | | David Miller | Delhi Capitals | 2 crore | | TBC | TBC | TBC | | TBC | TBC | TBC |
List of Unsold Players:
| Player | Base Price (INR) | | :----------------- | :--------------- | | Jake Fraser-McGurk | 2 crore | | Prithvi Shaw | 75 lakh | | TBC | TBC |
Teams to Watch:
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): With a substantial budget, KKR aimed to bolster their squad with high-impact players.
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): After a disappointing 2025 season, finishing at the bottom of the table, CSK was expected to rebuild their team.
Retained Players (Examples):
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (traded in from RR).
The IPL 2026 auction showcased the evolving strategies of the franchises as they adapt to the changing landscape of T20 cricket. The mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters in the auction pool ensured an exciting event, with teams looking to build a winning combination for the upcoming season. The final squads will offer a glimpse into each team's approach as they gear up for the challenges and opportunities that the IPL 2026 season will bring.
