The IPL 2026 mini-auction ended on Tuesday, December 16, in Abu Dhabi. The auction turned out to be one of the most exciting in recent years. All 10 franchises completed their squads. Each team filled the maximum limit of 25 players.
Several big names attracted huge bids. Young Indian players also made headlines. Franchises showed strong interest in all-rounders and fast bowlers.
Cameron Green leads the big-money signings
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was the most expensive buy of the auction. Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for a massive ₹25.20 crore. Mumbai Indians started the bidding. Many teams joined the race. After 117 bids, KKR finally won Green.
Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was the second costliest player. He was released by Chennai Super Kings before the auction. KKR picked him for ₹18 crore. This marked a big rise in his value.
Two uncapped Indian players created history next. Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma were bought by CSK. Both were signed for ₹14.20 crore each. They became the most expensive uncapped players in IPL auction history. Veer is an all-rounder. Sharma is a wicketkeeper-batter. CSK sees them as long-term assets.
England all-rounder Liam Livingstone completed the top five. Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for ₹13 crore. He will now play alongside Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Pat Cummins.
Among overseas players, Green, Pathirana, and Livingstone led the chart. Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman also drew strong interest. KKR signed him for ₹9.20 crore. England wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis went to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹8.60 crore, despite limited availability.
Overall, the IPL 2026 mini-auction showed strong spending, smart planning, and faith in young talent. The stage is now set for another thrilling IPL season.
Top 5 most expensive players in the IPL 2026 auction
| Player | Country | Role | Franchise | Price (INR) |
| Cameron Green | Australia | All Rounder | Kolkata Knight Riders | 25.20 crore |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Sri Lanka | Bowler | Kolkata Knight Riders | 18 crore |
| Prashant Veer | India | All Rounder | Chennai Super Kings | 14.20 crore |
| Kartik Sharma | India | Wicketkeeper | Chennai Super Kings | 14.20 crore |
| Liam Livingstone | England | All Rounder | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 13 crore |
Top 5 most expensive foreign players in the IPL 2026 auction
| Player | Country | Role | Franchise | Price (INR) |
| Cameron Green | Australia | All Rounder | Kolkata Knight Riders | 25.20 crore |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Sri Lanka | Bowler | Kolkata Knight Riders | 18 crore |
| Liam Livingstone | England | All Rounder | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 13 crore |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Bangladesh | Bowler | Kolkata Knight Riders | 9.20 crore |
| Josh Inglis | Australia | Wicketkeeper | Lucknow Super Giants | 8.60 crore |
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