IPL 2026 Mini Auction is scheduled to take place on 16 December in Abu Dhabi, with 1,355 players signed up for the forthcoming season. This auction is set ot be among the most-awaited events in the upcoming times.
Of the registered players, 1,062 are Indian cricketers, and 293 are international talents, a pool consisting of experienced internationals, domestic mainstays, and hungry up-and-coming players yearning for the Indian Premier League (IPL)greatness.
Among the Indian entries are well-known names like Mayank Agarwal, KS Bharat, Rahul Chahar, Ravi Bishnoi, Deepak Hooda, Venkatesh Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Prithvi Shaw, and Umesh Yadav, all hoping to find new homes ahead of the 2026 season.
212 capped internationals, 1,121 uncapped players, and 22 players from associate countries span the whole roster. Top worldwide names from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and further have submitted their names, underlining how broad and competitive this auction has become.
Among the excitement, however, one name particularly stands out for its absence: Glenn Maxwell, a seasoned veteran of 13 seasons and 141 games in the league, has chosen not to join the auction pool this time. Along with Maxwell, Faf du Plessis opting out of the IPL 2026 auction has also surprised fans and analysts.
The great number of enrollments highlights how high the stakes are, but the reality is severe; only 77 slots are available in total in all the franchises this year. This implies that around 1,200 players will be disappointed because of the fewer slots.
Adding to the intensity: the highest starting band, a total of 45 players, including two Indians, Ravi Bishnoi and Venkatesh Iyer, priced themselves at ₹2 crore base price. Among foreign arrivals, this elite group has several major names expected to cause much bidding interest.
Teams will have difficult choices balancing proven performers, young potential, and budget limits, with franchises combined holding a ₹237.55 crore purse to spend and just 31 international slots among the 77 spots.
