IPL 2026 Auction: 350 players to go under the hammer; Cameron Green, Prithvi Shaw, Steve Smith among the big players

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The highly anticipated TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Player Auction list has been officially finalized, setting the stage for an exciting event. A total of 350 elite cricketers will go under the hammer, selected from an initial pool of 1390 registered players. This curated list includes a significant mix of both established international stars and promising domestic talent. Franchises will vie intensely for the 77 available slots, with a keen focus on securing the 31 spots reserved for overseas players. The auction is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on 16th December, kicking off the countdown to the new season.

The finalized list of 350 players for the TATA IPL 2026 auction presents a rich and diverse talent pool, reflecting the league’s global appeal and commitment to fostering Indian cricketing talent. Of the total players shortlisted, a substantial majority comprises 240 Indian recruits, demonstrating the deep bench of talent available within the country. The remaining 110 players are high-caliber overseas recruits, each bringing unique skills and international experience to the auction table.

A closer inspection of the list reveals a fascinating split between capped and uncapped players, highlighting the significant opportunity for emerging cricketers. The pool features 224 uncapped Indian players, indicating a major influx of fresh, untested talent for the franchises to invest in for the future. This figure, combined with 14 uncapped overseas players, means that a total of 238 players are yet to make their IPL debut.

On the other hand, the auction boasts a solid foundation of experienced professionals. There are 16 Capped Indian players, seasoned campaigners who are familiar with the league’s pressures. Additionally, 96 Capped Overseas players will be up for grabs, guaranteeing that teams can bolster their core with proven match-winners from around the world, ensuring a high-octane bidding war.

The structure of the TATA IPL 2026 Player Auction has been precisely defined, setting the parameters for the team building strategies of all franchises. Collectively, the ten teams will be competing to fill a total of 77 available slots on their rosters. Crucially, a significant portion of these openings, specifically 31 spots, are strictly reserved for the coveted overseas players, making the bidding for international stars particularly intense.

The financial stakes are high, with the highest reserve price set at a premium INR 2 crore bracket. This top tier includes 40 marquee players who have chosen to enter the auction at the maximum base price, signalling their perceived value and track record. Conversely, the majority of the 350 players fall into the lower base price categories, with 227 players entering at the modest 30 lakh reserve price, offering franchises value-for-money options.

The anticipation culminates on Tuesday, 16th December, when the event officially commences at 1:00 PM UAE time. This translates to a start time of 2:30 PM IST for viewers in India, ensuring a prime afternoon start for the crucial event. Held in Abu Dhabi, the auction provides an international backdrop to the selection process, solidifying the IPL’s global footprint. The race to build a championship-winning squad starts here.

Also READ: 5 players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

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Also READ: 5 players Delhi Capitals (DC) can target in the IPL 2026 auction