ipl auction 2026 : Abu Dhabi Mini-Auction Set to Feel Anything but “Mini” for KKR and CSK

Heavy Purses Change the Auction Dynamics

KKR enter the Abu Dhabi auction with a massive INR 64.30 crore, which is notably higher than the INR 51 crore they carried into last year’s mega auction in Jeddah. Similarly, CSK arrive with INR 43.40 crore, not far off from the INR 55 crore they had at the previous mega auction.

While most of the other eight franchises appear relatively settled in terms of squad composition, KKR and CSK have both created room for major investments, placing them in a position to influence early bidding trends.

Auction Pace Likely to Be Set by KKR and CSK

Mini-auctions have historically seen franchises overhaul squads when mega-auction outcomes fail to deliver results—Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals have done so in the past. In Abu Dhabi, KKR and CSK are expected to dominate proceedings, at least in the opening stages.

KKR, in particular, released several players specifically to shape the early flow of the auction, ensuring they have both flexibility and leverage. As a result, many of the headline signings are likely to land with either KKR or CSK.

Cameron Green the Biggest Attraction

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is widely viewed as the most sought-after player in the auction. Although listed as a batter, his all-round value makes him a prime target for both KKR and CSK.

With a significantly larger purse, KKR appear better placed financially—but the key question remains whether they are willing to spend aggressively again, as they did in the past when they secured Mitchell Starc for INR 24.75 crore in Dubai.

Indian Players to Watch

Among capped Indian players, Ravi Bishnoi is expected to generate strong interest across franchises. Slotted at No. 30 in the auction register, his name will appear after the first four rounds, giving teams time to preserve funds for him.

In contrast, Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan may face a disadvantage due to their placement in the first auction lot (BA1 category). Franchises often hold back budgets early for marquee names, which could limit bidding momentum for the duo—even if they reappear in later rounds.

Iyer and Livingstone Still Command Attention

Despite underwhelming performances last season, Venkatesh Iyer and Liam Livingstone remain major draws. Iyer, who fetched INR 23.75 crore in a bidding war between KKR and RCB, scored only 142 runs in 11 matches last season. Livingstone fared worse, managing just 112 runs in 10 games.

However, strong past IPL records and limited alternatives in the auction pool mean both players are still expected to attract serious bids.

Uncapped Players Could Fetch Big Money

One defining trait of mini-auctions is the demand-supply imbalance, which often pushes prices of uncapped players higher than in mega auctions. With limited quality options available, franchises are likely to bid aggressively.

Players listed in Lots 8, 9, and 10 (Nos. 51–70) could become central to bidding wars. Many of these uncapped Indian players may command prices in the INR 5–6 crore range, figures they would be unlikely to achieve in a mega auction.

Overall Auction Math

The total purse available stands at INR 237.55 crore, with up to 77 players expected to be sold.

• Top 3 buys could consume around INR 60 crore

• Around 30–40 players may be picked in the INR 30 lakh–1 crore bracket, totaling roughly INR 25 crore

• The remaining INR 150–160 crore is likely to be spent largely on uncapped players

Mystery Spinner on the Radar

There is also growing curiosity around Wahidullah Zadran, an 18-year-old uncapped off-spinner from Afghanistan. Described as a “mystery spinner,” his profile fits the IPL’s long-standing fascination with unpredictability—and mystery often comes at a premium.

Salary Cap for Overseas Players in Mini-Auction

A key regulation governing this mini-auction is the salary cap for foreign players. Any overseas cricketer can earn no more than INR 18 crore, which is the lower of:

• The highest retention price (INR 18 crore)

• The highest price paid at the previous mega auction

Although Rishabh Pant fetched INR 27 crore at last year’s mega auction, overseas players cannot exceed the INR 18 crore cap in Abu Dhabi. Any amount bid beyond this limit will be transferred to the BCCI and earmarked for player welfare initiatives. This rule was introduced by the IPL Governing Council following franchise requests, aimed at preventing inflated overseas player salaries in mini-auctions.