All eyes are on Abu Dhabi as the IPL 2026 player auction heats up, with Sri Lanka’s biggest names entering the elite price bracket and franchises racing to secure match winners.
The Indian Premier League 2026 player auction is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday the 16th, marking one of the most closely watched events in the global cricket calendar. According to an official IPL release, the auction will begin at 1 pm UAE time at the Etihad Stadium and will feature a total of 350 shortlisted players.
This final list is significantly smaller than the 1,390 players who initially registered for the auction, reflecting the intense competition and selective process leading up to the event. Of the 350 players set to go under the hammer, 240 are Indian cricketers while 110 are overseas players, highlighting the continued emphasis on domestic talent alongside proven international performers.
A total of 77 slots are available across the 10 IPL franchises, with 31 of those reserved specifically for overseas players. Twelve Sri Lankan cricketers have made the final auction list, underlining Sri Lanka’s strong presence in the IPL talent pool.
The highest base price category of Rs 2 crore features only 40 players. Among them are Indian cricketers Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi, the only two Indians in this elite bracket. Joining them are Sri Lankan stars Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshana, all of whom are expected to attract aggressive bidding due to their proven impact in T20 cricket.
Beyond the top tier, nine players are listed in the Rs 1.5 crore category, while four players have opted for a base price of Rs 1.25 crore. Seventeen players are set at Rs 1 crore, with 42 players in the Rs 75 lakh bracket and four players at Rs 50 lakh. Seven players carry a reserve price of Rs 40 lakh, while the largest group, comprising 227 players, sits at the Rs 30 lakh base price.
South African wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock has been added to the list at a late stage following a team request. Despite his team losing the ODI series 2-1, his recent century in Visakhapatnam has boosted his value. His base price stands at Rs 1 crore, half of what it was during the previous mega auction.
Australian all rounder Cameron Green is also expected to be one of the most sought after names, registered as a batsman but valued for his versatility. South Africa’s George Linde and Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage have also been included late, adding further depth and intrigue to what promises to be a high stakes IPL 2026 auction.
