IPL 2026 Auction: LIVE Updates

Table of Contents

The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated events in the cricket calendar! The IPL 2026 Auction is set to take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE today, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, starting at 2:30 PM IST.

Teams will vie to fill 77 available slots (including 31 overseas spots) with a combined remaining purse of ₹237.55 crore. This mini-auction promises intense bidding wars as franchises strategically fill key gaps in their squads.

Two franchises enter the auction with a significant financial advantage, setting the stage for aggressive bidding:

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Leading the charge with the largest purse of ₹64.30 crore and 13 slots to fill. They are poised for a significant rebuild.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Not far behind, the Yellow Army has a considerable purse of ₹43.40 crore and 9 slots to complete their lineup.

On the other end of the spectrum, Mumbai Indians (MI) have the smallest purse remaining, with just ₹2.75 crore to fill their 5 slots, indicating a focus on specific, budget-friendly picks.

Unlike the mega-auction, franchises will be highly targeted, focusing on specific skill sets and team balance rather than a complete overhaul. Notable veterans like Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis are not in the auction pool, which could elevate the price of other star overseas players.