The player auction for the IPL 2026 auction is set to showcase a broad mix of established names and emerging talent, with organisers confirming a final shortlist of 350 cricketers ahead of the event in Abu Dhabi later this month.
According to an official media advisory released on Monday, the TATA Indian Premier League has completed the shortlisting process for the upcoming auction, scheduled to take place on 16 December in Abu Dhabi. The auction will begin at 1:00 PM UAE time (2:30 PM IST), with franchises preparing to fill key gaps in their squads ahead of the 2026 season.
A total of 1,390 players had registered for consideration, reflecting the continued global appeal of the league. From this pool, 350 players were selected to enter the auction, including 240 Indian players and 110 overseas cricketers.
Uncapped talent dominates the auction pool
One of the most striking aspects of the IPL 2026 auction list is the dominance of uncapped players, highlighting the league’s ongoing emphasis on discovering and developing new talent.
Of the 350 shortlisted players:
- 224 are uncapped Indian cricketers
- 14 are uncapped overseas players
- 16 are capped Indian internationals
- 96 are capped overseas players
This composition adds depth to the auction, giving franchises a wide range of options across experience levels and playing styles.
Limited slots increase competition
Franchises will compete for 77 available slots, making bidding strategies crucial. Of these, 31 slots are reserved for overseas players, a factor likely to intensify competition for high-impact foreign recruits.
With limited spaces available, teams are expected to prioritise versatility, fitness, and long-term value when assembling their final squads during the IPL 2026 auction.
Reserve price structure remains unchanged
The highest reserve price for the auction remains ₹2 crore, with 40 players opting to enter at this level. This bracket traditionally attracts marquee names and proven match-winners, often resulting in intense bidding wars.
The reserve price breakdown reveals a strong concentration of players at the lower base levels:
- ₹2 crore: 40 players
- ₹1.5 crore: 9 players
- ₹1.25 crore: 4 players
- ₹1 crore: 17 players
- ₹75 lakh: 42 players
- ₹50 lakh: 4 players
- ₹40 lakh: 7 players
- ₹30 lakh: 227 players
(All prices listed in lakhs)
The large number of players at the ₹30 lakh base price underlines the opportunity for franchises to identify cost-effective talent capable of delivering strong returns.
Abu Dhabi to host key IPL event
The decision to host the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi once again reinforces the league’s global footprint. Over the years, overseas venues have become a familiar setting for major IPL events, offering logistical efficiency and international exposure.
CLICK HERE to check the complete list of TATA IPL Player Auction 2026.
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