The IPL 2026 player auction in Abu Dhabi witnessed franchises engaging in a spectacular spending spree, with records tumbling and uncapped talents becoming overnight crorepatis. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged as the most aggressive bidders, shattering the record for the most expensive overseas purchase to headline a day of high-octane financial drama.
Kolkata's Knight Riders Rewrite the Record Books
The auction's defining moment was an intense bidding war for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. The battle primarily raged between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings before KKR finally secured his services for a staggering Rs 25.20 crore. This monumental sum propelled Green past his compatriot Mitchell Starc's previous record of Rs 24.75 crore, making him the costliest overseas player ever in the history of the IPL auction.
KKR's lavish spending did not stop there. They further bolstered their bowling attack by acquiring Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore. Pathirana, who had a base price of Rs 2 crore, now holds the title of the most expensive Sri Lankan player ever sold at an IPL auction. KKR CEO Venky Mysore later revealed the team was operating close to its spending limit, highlighting the strategic significance they placed on these acquisitions.
Uncapped Indian Talent Commands Astronomical Prices
In a remarkable subplot of the auction, young, uncapped Indian players found themselves at the centre of fierce bidding wars. The biggest story was that of 20-year-old left-arm spinner Prashant Veer from Uttar Pradesh. Entering the auction with a modest base price of Rs 30 lakh, Veer sparked a frenzy and was eventually snapped up by the Chennai Super Kings for an astounding Rs 14.20 crore. This deal made him the highest-paid uncapped player in IPL auction history.
Chennai Super Kings displayed their faith in young Indian talent by also buying another uncapped player, Kartik Sharma, for an identical sum of Rs 14.20 crore. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals invested heavily in Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar, securing him for Rs 8.40 crore against a base price of Rs 30 lakh. These purchases underscore the franchises' growing emphasis on scouting and securing domestic potential.
Other Notable Moves and Squad Updates
The auction saw several other significant transactions. Rajasthan Royals secured the services of spinner Ravi Bishnoi for Rs 7.20 crore. In another notable move, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the race for Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer at Rs 7 crore, with KKR withdrawing from the bidding. Cameron Green, the auction's top buy, brings experience from previous stints with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, having played 29 IPL matches with 707 runs and 16 wickets.
The mini-auction has effectively reshaped the squads for all ten franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Teams have filled crucial gaps and made bold statements with their purchases, setting the stage for an intensely competitive tournament. The unprecedented sums spent on both international stars and untested domestic players highlight the evolving dynamics and high stakes of the IPL's player market.
