The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Auction is one of the most highly anticipated events on the cricketing calendar. With franchises aiming to fine-tune their squads ahead of the 19th season of the IPL, all eyes are on the bidding strategies, purse positions, player pool and auction rules. Scheduled for 16 December 2025, this mini-auction will be hosted at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, and it sets the stage for a thrilling build-up to the IPL 2026 season.
In this detailed guide, we break down everything you need to know about the IPL Auction 2026— including team purses, key players to watch, auction rules, timings, and live streaming platforms so fans around the world don’t miss a moment.
What Is the IPL 2026 Auction?
The IPL auction is an event where the ten IPL franchises bid on players to build or enhance their squads for the upcoming season. The 2026 auction is a mini-auction rather than a mega auction, meaning that franchises will look to fill remaining slots rather than rebuilding entire teams from scratch.
Unlike a mega auction — which involves stricter retention limits and the potential use of Right To Match (RTM) cards — this mini event focuses purely on completing squad strengths, optimizing finances, and strategically placing bids within each team’s budget.
IPL Auction 2026: Date & Location
- Date: 16 December 2025
- Timing: Starts at 2:30 PM IST
- Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The event is set to kick off in the afternoon and will see all ten franchises battle to secure the best available talents in a high-octane bidding war.
Team Purses & Remaining Budgets
Each franchise entered the IPL 2026 auction cycle with a base purse determined by the IPL rules and adjustments made following player retentions and releases. After retaining their core squads, teams now arrive at the auction with varying amounts of unused purse money.
Here’s a breakdown of each team’s remaining purse and how many player slots they need to fill:
| Team | Remaining Purse (INR crore) | Slots to Fill |
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | 64.30 | 13 |
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 43.40 | 9 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | 25.50 | 10 |
| Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | 22.95 | 6 |
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | 21.80 | 8 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 16.40 | 8 |
| Rajasthan Royals (RR) | 16.05 | 9 |
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | 12.90 | 5 |
| Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 11.50 | 4 |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 2.75 | 5 |
- Total purse across all teams: approximately ₹237.55 crore
- Total slots available: 77 players (€31 of them overseas)
Key Insights
- KKR leads the spending race with the highest purse — giving them a big advantage in targeting top players.
- MI has the least budget, meaning their strategy will likely focus on bargain deals and tactical buys.
Key Players Expected to Dominate Bidding
While the final sold prices will only be confirmed once the auction concludes, several players are widely expected to be among the most sought-after at the IPL Auction 2026. Analysts and fans have highlighted a mix of seasoned internationals and rising stars:
Top International & Domestic Names to Watch
- Cameron Green – A top all-rounder with explosive potential.
- Matheesha Pathirana – In-demand fast bowler.
- Liam Livingstone – Power-hitting all-rounder.
- Sam Curran – Impact match-winner in all formats.
- Pat Cummins – Star pace bowler with a premium price tag.
- Ben Stokes – Veteran English all-rounder expected to command big bids.
This mix of international stars and game-changing talents means franchises will have to balance star power with budget constraints as bids escalate.
Auction Rules & Format Explained
The IPL 2026 Auction operates under a set of specific rules meant to maintain league balance and fairness.
Mini-Auction Structure
This year’s event is a mini-auction — meaning teams are primarily filling gaps left after retentions and releases, rather than undergoing a full squad overhaul like a mega auction.
Right To Match (RTM) Cards
In previous mega auctions, franchises could use RTM cards to retain a released player by matching the highest bid. However, for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, franchises will not be allowed to use RTM cards. This was confirmed by multiple reports and is intended to preserve auction fairness during a shorter format event.
Squad Size & Overseas Rules
- Maximum squad size allowed: 25 players
- Maximum number of overseas players per squad: 8
- Maximum overseas players in playing XI on match day: 4 (standard IPL rule)
These rules ensure teams maintain a balanced mix of domestic and foreign talent.
Timings for the Auction
The IPL Auction 2026 is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM IST on 16 December 2025. This afternoon start allows fans from across time zones — India, Australia, the UK, and North America — to tune in live as the bidding unfolds.
While auction rounds can last several hours due to intense bidding, key players typically go under the hammer in the first half of the event, attracting global viewership attention.
Live Streaming & Telecast Platforms
In India
- 📺 Star Sports Network — Live telecast for IPL Auction 2026.
- 📱 JioCinema / JioHotstar — Live streaming via app and website.
International Coverage
The IPL auction is also covered by local sports broadcasters and streaming partners in markets like:
- Australia: Kayo Sports / Foxtel
- UK: Sky Sports
- US & Canada: Willow TV / ESPN+
- Middle East: OSN Cricket
Global fans can track action through digital multicast and official IPL partner platforms, as rights holders vary by region.
How Teams Strategize Their Bids
- Franchise strategy is more complex than simply bidding highest for star players. Teams analyze:
- Current squad balance (bowlers vs batters vs all-rounders)
- Overseas quota requirements
- Remaining purse vs best market value players Role-based recruitment (e.g., power-hitters, T20 spinners)
For example:
- KKR’s strong purse position makes them favorites to pursue bigger price tag players.
- MI’s limited purse suggests tactical, budget-savvy buys.
- CSK and SRH will aim for targeted reinforcements based on team weaknesses.
Teams also monitor player availability and fitness closely, as last-minute knocks on paperwork or injury issues can affect bidding decisions.
What Fans Should Expect During the Auction
Expect the auction to be:
- Fast-paced: Especially during marquee player rounds.
- High stakes: Large bids for top T20 performers.
- Strategic: Teams chasing conditions or niches (spin, pace, batting depth).
- Data-Driven: Many franchises use analytics teams for bid values.
Plenty of surprises and tactical steals are common in mini auctions, as teams can often find gems from released players or underrated talents.
Why This Auction Matters
While not a full mega auction, the IPL 2026 event:
- Sets the tone for team competitiveness
- Impacts early season matchups and standings
- Influences player career trajectories
- Engages millions of fans globally through digital and TV coverage
Millions of viewers are expected to tune in across platforms, making the auction one of cricket’s most watched events outside actual match play.
Looking Ahead: IPL 2026 Season Preview
After the auction concludes, attention will quickly shift to:
- Full squad announcements
- Player jersey reveals
- Match fixtures and schedules
- IPL 2026 season opening ceremonies
The bidding wars and strategic franchise decisions at this auction will have a direct impact on the excitement and competitiveness of the 2026 IPL season.
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
| Auction Date | 16 Dec 2025 |
| Start Time | 2:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi |
| Total Purse | Rs 237.55 crore |
| Total Player Slots | 77 |
| TV Telecast | Star Sports |
| Live Stream | JioCinema / Hotstar |
With strong franchises, talented players, and global audiences ready to watch, the IPL 2026 Auction promises to be one of the most thrilling build-ups to the next season — shaping team rosters and fan excitement in equal measure.
FAQs
When and where is the IPL Auction 2026 happening?
The IPL 2026 Auction is scheduled for 16 December 2025 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where all ten franchises will bid to fill remaining squad slots.
What time does the IPL Auction 2026 start?
The auction is set to begin at 2:30 PM IST on 16 December 2025, so fans can tune in from mid-afternoon onwards.
Where can fans watch the IPL 2026 Auction live?
In India, the auction will be telecast on the Star Sports Network and live streamed online via the JioHotstar / JioCinema app and website.
How many players and slots are available at the IPL Auction 2026?
About 350 players are shortlisted for the auction, but there are only 77 slots available across all ten franchises.
Will teams be able to use Right To Match (RTM) cards?
No. In the 2026 mini-auction, Right To Match cards will not be used, unlike in previous mega auctions.
Which team has the highest remaining purse at the IPL 2026 Auction?
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) enter the auction with the highest purse — around ₹64.3 crore — giving them strong bidding power.
Related Blog: Most Expensive Players in IPL History
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