The IPL 2026 Auction, scheduled for 16 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi, is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and electrifying events in IPL history. With only 77 slots available and 350 players shortlisted, franchises must make calculated decisions under tight budgets — and that’s leading to intense competition over marquee names who can change the course of a season.
In this detailed breakdown, we look at the Top 10 players who are expected to trigger massive bidding wars in the IPL 2026 Auction — domestic stars, overseas powerhouses and strategic all-rounders who could command top money and become franchise cornerstones.
Big Bidding Wars Ahead: 10 Players to Watch in IPL 2026 Auction
#1. Cameron Green (Australia)
Why He’s the #1 Name on Every Franchise List
Cameron Green name is repeatedly cited as the biggest draw in the IPL 2026 auction, thanks to his rare combination of explosive batting and effective seam bowling. Most teams view him as a game-changing all-rounder — exactly the sort of player who can alter match dynamics single-handedly.
What Experts Are Saying:
Former India star Robin Uthappa predicted Green could command bids as high as ₹30 crore in mock auctions — far surpassing anyone else in contention.
Why He Triggers Bidding Wars
- Adds depth in batting and bowling
- Fits into multiple squad roles
- Teams short on versatile match-winners see him as a priority
Whether it’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), franchises are expected to go all-out for Green, especially given his ability to influence games wherever he bats in the order.
#2. Liam Livingstone (England)
Liam Livingstone is another marquee name who’s expected to spark fierce bidding interest. Known for his power hitting and useful leg-spin, Livingstone offers unrivaled flexibility — a rare trait in the T20 format.
What Sets Him Apart
- Explosive middle-order batter
- Bowls effective leg spin, offering tactical variation
- Proven T20 record in global leagues
Franchises looking for impact players in both departments — batting and bowling — will likely name Livingstone among their top targets. Several IPL franchises, including KKR, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, could participate in the chase for his services.
#3. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)
The Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is a classic death-overs specialist — and those are worth their weight in gold in the IPL. His ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers at pace makes him a coveted asset.
Team Strategy Fit:
- Critical for teams needing a specialist death bowler
- Can stabilize bowling attack in crunch moments
- Fits into both early and late phases of the game
Expect franchises to battle over Pathirana due to his proven track record and demand for quality pacers in T20 cricket.
#4. Ravi Bishnoi (India)
One of India’s brightest spin prospects, Ravi Bishnoi brings youthful energy and wicket-taking abilities in the middle overs. Many teams are actively seeking a lead spinner — and Bishnoi fits the bill effortlessly.
Why He’s Important
- Out-and-out wicket taker in the middle overs
- Strong IPL and domestic T20 stats
- Offers strategic depth for slow-to-spin conditions
Indian spin talent is always highly prized in IPL auctions — especially in mini auctions like 2026 where teams might need to fill specific tactical gaps.
#5. Venkatesh Iyer (India)
A dynamic middle-order all-rounder, Venkatesh Iyer has already proven his ability to change games at the IPL level. After being released by his former franchise due to form dips, he now returns to the auction pool — and that could fuel competitive bidding as teams look for experienced Indian power hitters with bowling support.
Auction Appeal
- Proven IPL playoff performer
- Left-handed batting power
- Useful sixth bowling option
In a format where domestic all-rounders are gold, Iyer’s availability makes him a natural name to watch at the auction.
#6. Anrich Nortje (South Africa)
South African speedster Anrich Nortje is another candidate to spark a bidding war. Despite fitness challenges in the previous season, his raw pace and experience in T20 cricket make him appealing to franchises looking to bulk up their pace attack.
Why Teams Want Nortje
- Fast bowling threat at the top of bowling cards
- T20 experience across formats
- Useful with the new ball and in powerplays
Given the scarcity of top-level quicks in the auction pool, Nortje’s inclusion could be significant.
#7. Jonny Bairstow (England)
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow remains a solid T20 commodity. Known for his explosive starts and reliability behind the stumps, Bairstow’s presence can transform the top order of any franchise.
Franchise Value
- Aggressive opening batter
- Leadership and experience
- IPL and global T20 pedigree
Teams in need of a wicketkeeper-batter with big hitting power are likely to engage in serious bids for Bairstow.
#8. Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia)
A rising star in the T20 arena, Jake Fraser-McGurk has shown explosive potential at the top of the order. Despite being young, his power-hitting and fearless approach make him a tempting pick for teams seeking aggressive openers.
Growing IPL Buzz
- Explosive batting in domestic and franchise leagues
- Good powerplay statistics
- T20 specialist skillset
Franchises could view him as a value buy even if he comes with an uncapped price tag, especially given his potential to shape match innings early.
#9. David Miller (South Africa)
Known as one of the best finishers in world cricket, David Miller’s ability to bat deep and clear boundaries makes him a dangerous late-order weapon.
Why He’s In Demand
- World-class finisher
- Experience under pressure
- Adds strategic depth
Franchises who need a calm, powerful presence towards the end of innings may push a strong bid for Miller.
#10. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
A modern spin all-rounder, Hasaranga provides both attacking bowling and useful batting — a combo that’s highly prized in T20. While his price may not rival the auction’s top names, his presence on the board is expected to spark interest across franchises.
Balanced Skill Set
- Leg-spin that takes crucial middle-over wickets
- Lower-order batting punch
- World T20 experience
His hybrid skillset keeps him firmly on the radar for many bidding teams.
Honourable Mentions and Emerging Options
While the top 10 above dominate speculation, several other players could draw attention depending on team strategies:
- Finn Allen (New Zealand) – Explosive top order option
- Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – Top-class wicketkeeper-batter
- Jamie Smith (England) – Promising keeper-batter
- Jacob Duffy (New Zealand) – Pace option
Plus domestic talents like Shivam Mavi and others from Uttar Pradesh’s strong short‐listed contingent — showing the depth of Indian talent up for grabs.
Why This Auction Will Be So Competitive
Unlike past mega auctions, the IPL 2026 mini auction demands precision: franchises have limited purse size and slots, yet must fill critical roles. Only 77 available spots means intense bidding even for mid-tier talents.
Here’s what’s driving the drama:
- Scarce spots vs abundant talent
- High budgets among some franchises
- International stars available due to releases
- Strategic needs over marquee fame
These conditions mean it’s not just about the highest price tag — but the right fit for squad balance and tactical depth.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 Auction is poised to be one of the most watched and unpredictable in recent memory. With Top 10 players like Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone, Matheesha Pathirana and Ravi Bishnoi drawing major attention, every bid could be decisive.
Whether you’re a die-hard follower, casual fan or fantasy cricket enthusiast, this auction offers high-stakes drama, strategic intrigue and jaw-dropping bids — the perfect prelude to what promises to be an unforgettable IPL season.
FAQs
When and where is the IPL 2026 Auction scheduled?
The IPL Auction 2026 is set for 16 December 2025 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where all ten franchises will bid to complete their squads ahead of the new season.
What time does the IPL 2026 Auction begin?
The event is slated to start at 2:30 PM IST, drawing global attention as teams battle for top talent in the afternoon session.
How many players are available and how many slots are up for auction?
Around 350 players have been shortlisted for the auction, with only 77 slots available across all ten IPL teams.
What makes the IPL 2026 Auction so competitive?
The competition is intense because teams have limited purse space and few remaining slots, forcing strategic bidding on marquee players and niche specialists alike.
Will teams use Right To Match (RTM) cards at IPL Auction 2026?
No. The 2026 mini-auction format does not include Right To Match (RTM) cards, unlike previous mega auctions — meaning all players go into open bidding.
Which platforms will broadcast and stream the IPL 2026 Auction live?
In India, the auction will be telecast on the Star Sports Network and live streamed via JioCinema / JioHotstar, with international partners covering other regions.
Why are marquee players like Cameron Green and Liam Livingstone expected to draw big bids?
Players with all-round skills, power hitting, or specialist bowling are invaluable in T20 cricket — and names like Cameron Green and Liam Livingstone offer match-winning abilities that franchises will pay big for.
Who is the most expensive player in IPL auction history?
The most expensive player ever bought at an IPL auction is Rishabh Pant, who was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore at the 2025 IPL auction — setting a record for the highest price paid for any player in IPL history.
Related Blog: IPL 2026 Auction: Team Purses, Key Players, Rules, Timings
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