Breaking: IPL 2026 Auction — Players List, Date, Top Names & Key Updates

Covering the latest developments ahead of the one-day IPL 2026 mini-auction — who entered, who opted out, and what to expect on auction day. (English + Hindi)

Published: 03 December 2025 — Vixeli Sports Desk

Quick summary — तेज़ में

• IPL 2026 mini-auction confirmed for 16 December 2025 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. 0
• Record **1,355 players** registered to fight for just 77 slots — massive pool and fierce competition. 1
• Top overseas names in the pool include **Cameron Green** and **Steve Smith**; many teams listed high-price players at the ₹2 crore base-price bracket. 2
• Several notable players have **opted out** — Glenn Maxwell confirmed he will skip IPL 2026; Faf du Plessis and others also remain absent or uncertain. 3

Full context: Date, venue & format

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the IPL 2026 mini-auction will be held on 16 December 2025 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi — a return to an international venue for the high-stakes one-day event. Broadcasters and fans can expect the live auction spectacle on the announced date. 4

How big is the player pool?

Registrations closed with **1,355 players** on the list — a record number for a mini auction and far more players than available slots (77). That ratio means franchises will be highly selective; competition for premium signings will be intense, especially for players listed in the higher base-price brackets. 5

Marquee names & players to watch — ध्यान देने योग्य नाम

Several high-profile overseas stars entered the auction. Reported headline names include:

• Cameron Green — top all-rounder target for many franchises. 6
• Steve Smith — experienced batter in the marquee category. 7
• Other big names registered across the Rs. 2 crore base price bracket — franchises will battle for their services. 8

Hindi: Cameron Green और Steve Smith जैसे विदेशी सितारे इस बार की नीलामी में नाम दर्ज करा चुके हैं — ये खिलाड़ियों पर बोली बहुत तीव्र रहने की उम्मीद है। 9

Notable opt-outs & surprises

In news that will change auction strategies, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has officially opted out of IPL 2026, saying goodbye to fans and withdrawing his name — a major surprise given his long IPL history. 10

Other senior names have chosen alternative routes (PSL, other leagues) or remained unavailable; for example, Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali have taken decisions that reduce the pool of familiar stars. Franchises will recalibrate plans accordingly. 11

हिंदी: Glenn Maxwell का नाम वापस लेना और कुछ बड़े खिलाड़ियों का IPL के बजाय अन्य लीग चुनना, फ्रेंचाइज़ी की रणनीति बदल सकता है। 12

Retentions, purse sizes & team dynamics

Earlier retention announcements show teams retained 173 players combined and left a combined auction purse that franchises will now use to bid for the remaining 77 slots. Squad management (purse left, slots required) will dictate a lot of the day’s drama at the auction. 13

Tip for fans: watch purse sizes — an uneven distribution (some teams with large purse remaining) means aggressive bidding is likely. 14

How franchises are preparing — Auction strategy

1. Target core roles first: finish squad composition (3–4 overseas spots, power-hitter, spinner, death-bowler).
2. Use purse leverage: teams with larger remaining budgets may buy marquee buys or multiple role players.
3. Watch the late surprises: opt-outs and last-minute registrations can change supply/demand dynamics minutes before the hammer falls.

Fan checklist — क्या देखने लायक है (on auction day)

• Top buys in Rs. 2 crore bracket — who gets the big overseas stars?
• Which uncapped Indians get major bids (the mini auction often surprises with local breakout buys)? 15
• Any last-minute retentions/re-trades or transfers?
• How teams fill specialist roles — spinners, finishers and death-over bowlers.

Key FAQs — अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

Q: When and where is the IPL 2026 auction?
A: 16 December 2025 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. 16

Q: How many players registered?
A: A record 1,355 players registered for the mini auction. 17

Q: Which top international players are available?
A: High-profile names include Cameron Green, Steve Smith and other overseas stars in the ₹2 crore bracket. 18

Q: Who has opted out?
A: Glenn Maxwell has opted out; others like Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali have chosen other leagues or options. 19

Conclusion — निष्कर्ष

The IPL 2026 mini-auction promises high drama: a record player pool, marquee names, and a few surprising absences. For fans, it’s a chance to see new combinations and breakout signings. For franchises it’s a delicate balance between urgency and patience — bid smart, don’t overpay for hype. Stay tuned to live auction coverage on 16 December. 20

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only — auction registrations and opt-outs can change quickly. We updated this story using the latest reports available at the time of publishing.