The much-awaited IPL Auction 2026 is set for December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, marking the third straight year the mega event is being held outside India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially confirmed the date and venue, giving fans and franchises a clear roadmap for the new season. With over 1,390 players registering and a final list of 350 shortlisted, this auction promises thrilling bidding wars and fresh talent for the 2026 IPL season.
IPL Auction 2026 Date, Time & Venue
- Auction Date: December 16, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM IST (1:00 PM UAE time)
- Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
- Broadcast: Star Sports, JioCinema, IPL
This will be the second time the IPL auction is hosted in Abu Dhabi, after Dubai (2024) and Jeddah (2025). The international venue choice is part of the IPL’s strategy to boost global viewership and attract international talent.
IPL 2026 Auction Player List & Base Prices
A total of 350 players (240 Indian and 110 overseas) will go under the hammer in the auction. The final list was released on December 9, 2025, after BCCI trimmed down the initial 1,390 registrations. Among the shortlisted players, 40 have a base price of ₹2 crore, making them high-value picks for teams.
- Total Players: 350 (240 Indian, 110 Overseas)
- Base Price Bracket: ₹2 crore (40 players)
- Team Purse: ₹151 crore per team
- Total Slots Available: 77 (31 overseas)
IPL 2026 Auction Rules & Updates
- Retention Deadline: November 15, 2025 (5 PM IST)
- Max Retentions: 6 players per team (max 2 overseas)
- New Pay Model: Auction price + ₹7.5 lakh match fee
- Mini-Auction Type: One-day event
- Trade Window: Open now till one week before auction; post-auction window open until one month before IPL 2026
Teams are focusing on balancing their squads, targeting specific roles, and upgrading under-utilized players.
Team Purse & Auction Strategy
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Highest purse (₹64.3 crore)
- Mumbai Indians: Lowest purse (₹2.75 crore)
- Standard Team Purse: ₹151 crore
Teams with higher purses are expected to make bold moves, while those with limited funds may target uncapped or mid-tier talent.
IPL 2026 Auction: What to Expect
The auction is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with teams aiming to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. With a mix of capped and uncapped talent, the auction will shape the dynamics of IPL 2026, offering new opportunities for emerging players and strategic upgrades for franchises.
IPL Auction 2026: Key Highlights
- Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
- Date: December 16, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM IST
- Players: 350 (240 Indian, 110 Overseas)
- Base Price: ₹2 crore (40 players)
- Team Purse: ₹151 crore
- Slots: 77 (31 overseas)
- Retention Rules: Max 6 players (2 overseas)
- Broadcast: Star Sports, JioCinema, IPL YouTube
Top Uncapped Players in IPL 2026 Auction
The IPL 2026 auction features a strong pool of uncapped Indian talent, with over 230 uncapped Indian players vying for spots in franchise squads. These young stars have impressed in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, making them attractive picks for teams looking to build depth and future-proof their lineups.
Notable Uncapped Indian Players
- Tanush Kotian: All-rounder who won Player of the Tournament in Ranji Trophy 2023-24. A left-arm spinner with solid batting skills, Kotian is expected to attract high bids.
- Prashant Veer: Left-arm all-rounder who has performed well in the UP T League and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Chennai Super Kings are reportedly keen on him as a Jadeja replacement.
- Yash Dhull: Promising middle-order batter with strong domestic performances.
- Abhinav Manohar: Aggressive batter known for quick scoring and finishing games.
- Anmolpreet Singh: Reliable top-order batter who has shown consistency in domestic cricket.
- Tushar Raheja: Left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Tamil Nadu. Has scored over 150 runs in recent matches and is being watched closely.
- Atharva Taide: Young all-rounder with potential in both batting and bowling.
- Sachin Dhas: Middle-order batter with good technique and temperament.
- Shams Mulani: All-rounder with left-arm spin and lower-order hitting ability.
- Ahammed Imran: Promising young batter from Kerala.
Other Players to Watch
- Aryan Juyal: Wicketkeeper-batter with a solid domestic record.
- Mohit Rathee: All-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
- Simarjeet Singh: Fast bowler with pace and accuracy.
- Luvnith Sisodia: Wicketkeeper-batter with good agility and batting skills.
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Why These Players Matter
These uncapped players are crucial for franchises aiming to strengthen their bench, find long-term replacements, or unearth the next big star. With IPL teams investing more in youth and talent development, the auction of uncapped players could shape the future of the league
