The IPL 2026 mini-auction is all set to unfold in Abu Dhabi on December 16, and as always, the build-up is just as fascinating as the bidding itself. While the spotlight will eventually fall on the marquee names, this year’s auction pool throws up an intriguing contrast from an 18-year-old Afghan teenager chasing his first big break to a 39-year-old Indian domestic stalwart still knocking on the IPL door.
About IPL 2026 Auction
A total of 350 players have been shortlisted for the auction, but only 77 will eventually find teams, including a maximum of 31 overseas players. Of the total pool, 240 are Indian cricketers while 110 are foreign players. The auction, the 19th in IPL history, will begin at 2:30 PM IST and will be broadcast live on Star Sports, with streaming available on JioHotstar.
The youngest player in this Auction
At one end of the spectrum is Wahidullah Zadran, the youngest player in this year’s auction. The Afghanistan Under-19 off-spinner will be just 18 years and 31 days old on auction day, yet his numbers already demand attention. Zadran impressed in the Under-19 series against Bangladesh, picking up 11 wickets in just four innings, and carried that form into the Shpageeza Cricket League, where he claimed six wickets in three matches.
Also Read: IPL Auction 2026: This player make become perfect replacement for KKR Andre Russell, his name is…
Zadran’s stats
Despite his age, Zadran has already played 19 T20 matches, taking 28 wickets at an economy rate of 6.72, impressive returns for a teenager. Priced at a base of Rs 30 lakh, he represents the kind of low-risk, high-upside pick franchises love to gamble on in mini-auctions.
The oldest cricketer to be in 2026 Auction
On the other end stands Jalaj Saxena, a name that has long been synonymous with consistency in Indian domestic cricket. Turning 39 just a day before the auction, Saxena is the oldest player in the pool and arguably one of the most experienced. While his IPL opportunities have been limited to just one appearance for Punjab Kings, his domestic record tells a far richer story.
Saxena’s stats
In 155 first-class matches, Saxena has amassed 7,202 runs and taken an astonishing 496 wickets. Add to that 2,056 runs and 123 wickets in List A cricket, and 86 wickets in 79 T20 matches, and it’s clear why his name keeps coming up year after year. With a base price of Rs 40 lakh, Saxena offers experience, balance, and reliability, qualities teams often look for when shoring up their squads.
As franchises fine-tune their strategies ahead of the December 16 auction, stories like Zadran’s and Saxena’s highlight what makes the IPL auction special. It’s not just about the superstars; it’s about timing, team needs, and taking a punt, whether on youth with promise or experience that refuses to fade.
Also Read: Not the Superstars! R Ashwin predicts ‘Uncapped Players’ who could become IPL 2026 millionaire
