The cricketing world turns its gaze to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi this Tuesday, where the high-stakes drama of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction will unfold. Starting at 2:30 PM IST, the fates of 77 lucky cricketers will be sealed as ten franchises engage in a fierce financial battle, armed with a combined war chest of ₹237.55 crore.
The Road to the Final Shortlist
The auction process began with a massive pool of 1390 players who registered their names. The IPL Governing Council initially trimmed this list down to a more manageable 350. However, in a move highlighting the franchises' proactive approach, the council later added 19 more names upon specific requests, setting the stage for a highly competitive bidding war.
Team Purses: A Tale of Contrasting Fortunes
The financial muscle of the teams varies dramatically. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) enters as the heavyweight with a massive ₹64.30 crore left to spend, positioning them for major acquisitions. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are not far behind, holding a robust purse of ₹43.40 crore.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have minimal room for maneuver with just ₹2.75 crore remaining, severely limiting their influence in the auction room. Other teams with significant funds include Sunrisers Hyderabad (₹25.5 crore), Lucknow Super Giants (₹22.95 crore), and Delhi Capitals (₹21.80 crore).
Full List of Remaining Team Purses:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK) - ₹43.40 crore
- Delhi Capitals (DC) - ₹21.80 crore
- Gujarat Titans (GT) - ₹12.90 crore
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - ₹64.30 crore
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) - ₹22.95 crore
- Mumbai Indians (MI) - ₹2.75 crore
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) - ₹11.5 crore
- Rajasthan Royals (RR) - ₹16.05 crore
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) - ₹16.4 crore
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) - ₹25.5 crore
Players in the Spotlight
All eyes will be on Australian powerhouse Cameron Green, who is slated to go under the hammer in the very first set. The dynamic all-rounder is expected to command a hefty pay-cheque, triggering intense bidding among the cash-rich franchises.
Among Indian stars, the focus will be on Venkatesh Iyer. The explosive all-rounder set the auction table ablaze last year, fetching a staggering ₹23.75 crore. His performance since that mega deal will be scrutinized as franchises weigh his value against his price tag.
As the gavel rises in Abu Dhabi, strategic calculations, surprise bids, and franchise rivalries will converge to shape the teams for the upcoming IPL season. With KKR and CSK holding the financial keys, the auction promises to be a spectacle of strategy and splurge.
