The IPL 2026 mini auction in Abu Dhabi delivered high drama and blockbuster deals as franchises battled fiercely to fill 77 available squad slots. With purses under pressure and ambitions sky-high, teams showed no hesitation in splurging on game-changing talent, making this one of the most compelling auctions in recent IPL history.
One of the standout moments of the auction saw Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer snapped up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for ₹7 crore. The deal came after an active bidding contest involving multiple franchises, underlining Iyer’s growing reputation as a reliable middle-order batter and seam-bowling option in the shortest format. RCB’s acquisition reflects their intent to strengthen their Indian core while adding versatility to their playing XI.
KKR Go All In: Cameron Green Creates History
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) once again dominated headlines with their aggressive approach at the auction table. The franchise pulled off a historic signing by acquiring Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history.
The bidding war was intense, with multiple teams vying for Green’s services before KKR sealed the deal, signalling their determination to build a powerhouse squad for IPL 2026.
Pathirana’s Price Soars in Fast-Bowling Frenzy
KKR didn’t stop there. They continued their big-money spree by securing Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore, one of the highest bids of the auction. Known for his lethal yorkers and death-over expertise, Pathirana’s price reflected the premium franchises are willing to pay for elite fast-bowling talent.
Other Notable Buys and Smart Picks
The auction also witnessed several significant acquisitions across franchises:
Ravi Bishnoi attracted a strong bid from Rajasthan Royals, reinforcing their spin department.
Overseas stars like Finn Allen successfully found new homes, adding firepower to batting line-ups.
Teams mixed marquee signings with calculated picks to maintain squad balance and stay within purse limits.
Adding to the intrigue was the late inclusion of South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, whose name appeared on the auction list shortly before proceedings began. Such surprise additions kept franchises on their toes and added another layer of unpredictability to the event.
At the same time, several big names went unsold, highlighting how team strategies, age profiles, and role-specific needs increasingly dictate bidding behaviour rather than reputation alone.
With 10 franchises, 77 slots, and overseas talent in high demand, bidding wars remained intense throughout the afternoon. Teams carefully weighed star power against squad depth, making tough calls as purses dwindled.
With marquee players securing new homes and franchises making bold statements of intent, the IPL 2026 mini auction is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable editions ever. As squads near completion, the ripple effects of these high-stakes decisions will be closely watched when the new IPL season finally takes the field.
