The stage is set for a dramatic day of bidding! With the final register released, the upcoming IPL 2026 Mini-Auction in Abu Dhabi is poised to be one of the most competitive ever, featuring an astonishing pool of 1,355 players vying for a mere 77 available slots across the ten franchises.
The Big Surprise: No Glenn Maxwell
The most significant news dominating the headlines is the unexpected withdrawal of Australian superstar all-rounder, Glenn Maxwell. After several seasons in the league, the veteran, who played for Punjab Kings last year, announced his decision to sit out the 2026 edition via social media.
“After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It’s a big call, and one I make with a lot of gratitude for everything this league has given me,” Maxwell wrote in his post.
Maxwell’s exit, along with the earlier withdrawals of Faf du Plessis and the retirement of Andre Russell (who moves into a coaching role), leaves a massive void in the overseas all-rounder category, ensuring intense competition for high-impact international talent like Cameron Green, Steve Smith, and Rachin Ravindra.
The Indian Contingent: 16 Capped Stars
The final register includes a total of 1,062 Indian players, with 16 being capped internationals. These established Indian players are always hot commodities, offering guaranteed availability and balance to any squad.
Key capped Indian names who have thrown their hat into the ring include:
- Mayank Agarwal
- KS Bharat
- Rahul Chahar
- Deepak Hooda
- Venkatesh Iyer (one of only two Indians at the ₹2 crore base price)
- Ravi Bishnoi (the other Indian at the 2 crore base price)
- Prithvi Shaw
- Umesh Yadav
These domestic stars will be central to the strategies of teams like KKR and CSK, who have the deepest pockets remaining.
Auction Day Details
| Metric | Details |
| Total Players Registered | 1,355 |
| Total Slots Available | 77 (31 Overseas Slots) |
| Auction Date & Venue | December 16, Abu Dhabi |
| Largest Purse | Kolkata Knight Riders (₹64.30 Cr) |
| Smallest Purse | Mumbai Indians (₹2.75 Cr) |
With ₹237.55 crore collectively held by the ten franchises, the mini-auction promises a thrilling spectacle as teams scramble to fill their limited spots and build championship-contending squads for the 2026 season.
Which team’s auction strategy are you most looking forward to seeing in action on December 16th?
