IPL 2026 Mini Auction Today: Indian Players Expected to Attract High Bids
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction is being held today, December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Starting at 2:30 PM IST, the auction will see 10 franchises vying for 77 vacant slots with a total purse of ₹237.55 crore – with the focus firmly on both Indian and overseas players.
Event Overview
Venue and Time
Date: December 16, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM IST
Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE) – This is the third time the IPL auction is being held in the UAE.
Auction Structure
77 slots will be up for bidding from a list of 359 players.
244 Indian and 115 overseas players are part of this auction.
The Right to Match (RTM) card will not be used in this mini-auction.
Teams’ Purse and Strategy
Franchises consider this auction the last opportunity to set the framework for the 2026 season. The teams have the following remaining purse amounts:
KKR: ₹64.30 crore
CSK: ₹43.40 crore
SRH: ₹25.50 crore
LSG: ₹22.95 crore
DC: ₹21.80 crore
(Other teams also have funds, but Mumbai Indians have the lowest purse at ₹2.75 crore)
These teams with large purses are expected to drive up the bidding as they are prepared to place big bets on both Indian talent and impactful overseas players. 🇮🇳 Key Bidding Prospects for Indian Players
This year’s auction is heavily focused on Indian talent, as the demand for domestic players continues to rise in T20 cricket:
- Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer is among the big names in Indian T20 cricket and has opted for a base price of ₹2 crore this time – the highest base price among Indian players.
His all-round capabilities – both batting and bowling – make him a balanced option in teams’ plans, potentially leading to high bids from multiple franchises.
- Ravi Bishnoi
Young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi is also among the Indian players with a base price of ₹2 crore.
The role of a spinner is crucial in the IPL, especially on turning wickets, and teams need control in the middle overs.
- Uncapped and Domestic Stars
Uncapped Indian players like Ashok Sharma, Prashant Veer, and Mukul Chaudhary are also on the radar of franchises – their performances could make them valuable assets at a lower price.
Experienced players like Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan might also attract bids, offering teams strategic advantages with their experience.
🇦🇺 Indians Competing with Foreign Stars
While the demand for foreign players has always been a major attraction, this time the role and demand for Indian players have been exceptional:
Cameron Green
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is one of the most talked-about names – it is anticipated that Green will attract massive bids, potentially reaching the highest levels in IPL history.
However, according to IPL rules, the maximum fee for foreign players is ₹18 crore, regardless of how high the bidding goes.
Indian vs. Foreign Bidding
The bidding trend for foreign players has always been high, but the role of Indian players has now become more balanced and strategic for franchises.
This could lead to an increase in both the bidding levels and demand for Indian players.
Strategic Focus: What Do Teams Want? Every franchise is looking to either strike a balance, fill existing gaps, or add international experience:
KKR, with its large purse, might be looking to bet on Indian talents who can balance the team.
Teams like CSK might prioritize Indian talent, particularly leg-spinners, to gain control over the wicket and add bowling balance.
Teams like MI, due to limited funds, are focusing on uncapped Indian players for smart investments.
Cricket Times
IPL 2026: The Growing Influence of Indian Talent
This auction clearly shows that both the role and the bidding for Indian players are statistically increasing.
Increased investment in domestic players
Opportunities for uncapped talents
Teams are approaching the game with greater strength through Indian balance
All these signs are part of the evolving IPL strategy — where Indian combinations and promoting domestic talent are playing a crucial role.
Conclusion
Today’s IPL 2026 mini-auction is a stage for an exciting and strategic battle — the heavy bidding on Indian players, coupled with the demand for foreign stars, team strategies, and the battle for managing funds, will keep all cricket fans captivated.
The potentially high prices for Indian talents and the competition with foreign stars could etch this event into the special pages of IPL history.