IPL 2026 Auction New Rules: The countdown to the IPL 2026 players auction has officially begun, and this year’s event promises to be bigger, bolder, and far more dramatic than usual. A whopping 1355 cricketers from around the globe have thrown their names into the hat for the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi, a number that perfectly reflects the tournament’s unmatched pull.
But the buzz isn’t just about the volume of players. It’s the quality and the new rules that have everyone talking.
Big Names, Big Base Prices
According to ESPN Cricinfo, 43 overseas players and two Indians have listed themselves in the top base-price bracket of Rs 2 crore. Among the headliners are:
Cameron Green, the dynamic Australian all-rounder who missed IPL 2025 due to injury.
Matheesha Pathirana, the young Sri Lankan speedster with that unmistakable Malinga-like sling and surprisingly released by Chennai Super Kings ahead of this auction.
Pathirana, especially, is shaping up to be one of the most sought-after names. Given his age, unique action, and T20 value, it wouldn’t shock anyone if he ends up sparking a bidding frenzy.
KKR’s Big Purse & High Stakes
Mitchell Starc currently holds the record for the most expensive buy in an IPL mini auction, a Rs 24.75 crore blockbuster deal with KKR in 2024.
Now, the Knight Riders arrive at the 2026 auction with another hefty purse of Rs 64.30 crore, having retained just 12 players. They’re expected to throw their weight (and money) around again. But there’s a twist.
Why Overseas Players Can’t Earn More Than ₹18 Crore
The BCCI introduced a new rule ahead of last year’s mega auction, and it’s set to reshape how franchises approach overseas superstars.
No overseas player can receive more than Rs 18 crore, regardless of how high the bidding goes.
Here’s how it works: If a franchise bids Rs 20 crore for an overseas player, the player gets Rs 18 crore. The additional Rs 2 crore goes to the BCCI’s player welfare fund. But the franchise still loses the full Rs 20 crore from its purse.
This means teams must be more strategic than ever, especially with international stars who typically trigger bidding wars. And here’s the important part, This rule does notapply to Indian players. So, if an Indian cricketer is bought for Rs 22 crore, he gets all Rs 22 crore.
What This Means for Green, Pathirana & Others
With the Rs 18 crore cap in place, the auction could create fascinating dynamics: Players like Green and Pathirana might still attract sky-high bids. But they’ll only walk away with Rs 18 crore, no matter how wild the bidding gets. Indian stars, meanwhile, could cash in big given the unlimited earning potential.
The IPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With over 1300 registrations, marquee overseas talent, big-purse franchises, and fresh salary rules in play, fans can expect a thrilling day of strategy, surprises, and staggering numbers.
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