The IPL 2026 auction concluded in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025, with franchises splurging significant amounts on both capped and uncapped players. A total of 77 players were sold for a combined Rs 215.45 crore.
Most Expensive Capped Players
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive player in the IPL 2026 auction, surpassing his compatriot Mitchell Starc, after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured him for a record-breaking Rs 25.20 crore. The fierce bidding war between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ultimately resulted in KKR acquiring the sought-after all-rounder. Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana also landed a lucrative deal with KKR, fetching Rs 18 crore.
Other notable capped players who commanded high prices at the auction include:
- Josh Inglis: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured the Australian player for Rs 8.6 crore.
- Venkatesh Iyer: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) acquired the Indian all-rounder for Rs 7 crore.
- Ravi Bishnoi: Rajasthan Royals (RR) picked up Ravi Bishnoi for Rs 7.20 crore.
- Ben Dwarshuis: Punjab Kings (PBKS) signed the pacer for Rs 4.4 crore.
Most Expensive Uncapped Players
The IPL 2026 auction witnessed uncapped Indian players fetching unprecedented sums, with Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma leading the pack. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured both Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old left-arm spinner from Uttar Pradesh, and Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.20 crore each. Both players had a base price of Rs 30 lakh, making their eventual price tags a significant jump. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar was also among the top uncapped gainers, with Delhi Capitals (DC) acquiring his services for Rs 8.40 crore.
Team Strategies and Key Takeaways
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were among the most active franchises at the auction, with KKR securing Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana for substantial amounts. CSK also invested heavily in uncapped players, acquiring Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.20 crore each. A total of Rs 215.45 crore was spent by the 10 franchises to fill 77 player slots. KKR bought the most players with 13.
The IPL 2026 auction showcased the increasing value placed on all-rounders and promising uncapped talent. The record-breaking bids for Cameron Green and the substantial investments in players like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma highlight the evolving dynamics of the IPL and the strategic approaches adopted by the franchises.
