The IPL 2026 Mini-Auction in Abu Dhabi delivered a spectacle of record-shattering bids and surprising outcomes, transforming the fortunes of many players. With franchises looking to fine-tune their squads, a total purse of Rs. 237.55 crore was allocated to fill 77 available positions. The auction was particularly intense for sought-after overseas all-rounders and talented uncapped Indian cricketers.
The Kolkata Knight Riders stole the show, making Cameron Green their star acquisition for a historic Rs. 25.20 crore, solidifying his status as the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. They also brought in Matheesha Pathirana for Rs. 18 crore. Meanwhile, the Chennai Super Kings invested heavily in two uncapped Indian gems, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, paying Rs. 14.20 crore for each, setting a new benchmark for domestic players.
Key strategic signings included Liam Livingstone by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs. 13 crore. Royal Challengers Bengaluru acquired Venkatesh Iyer for Rs. 7 crore. Lucknow Super Giants bolstered their team with Josh Inglis (Rs. 8.60 crore) and Anrich Nortje (Rs. 2 crore). Gujarat Titans added Jason Holder for Rs. 7 crore. Mumbai Indians secured Quinton de Kock for Rs. 1 crore, and Rajasthan Royals invested Rs. 7.20 crore in Ravi Bishnoi.
The auction underscored a rising valuation for emerging Indian talent, with Delhi Capitals spending Rs. 8.40 crore on pacer Auqib Nabi Dar. While established players like Devon Conway faced disappointment initially, the accelerated rounds saw Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan finding new teams, highlighting the dynamic nature of the IPL auction process.
