IPL Auction 2026: Time, Date, and Everything You Need to Know

The butterflies are real. That’s what I felt this morning when I realized the IPL 2026 auction is happening today, December 16, 2025. If you’re like me, you’ve probably been refreshing your phone every few hours, checking team news, watching old auction clips on YouTube, and debating with friends about who’ll get the biggest payday. The IPL auction isn’t just a business transaction—it’s pure theatre, drama, and emotion rolled into one unforgettable day.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about today’s auction, and trust me, by the end of this article, you’ll be as pumped as I am.

When and Where is the IPL 2026 Auction Happening?

The auction kicks off at 2:30 PM IST (1:00 PM UAE local time), and it’s taking place in Abu Dhabi. This marks the third consecutive year the IPL auction is being held outside India, following Dubai in 2024 and Jeddah for last year’s mega auction.

The event is being hosted at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, and honestly, there’s something exciting about watching it unfold in such a grand venue. The production quality, the intensity of the bidding wars, the gasps when unexpected names go for massive amounts—it all adds to the spectacle.

How to Watch the IPL 2026 Auction Live

I know you’re not going to miss a single moment of this. Here’s how you can catch all the action:

Television: The auction will be telecast on the Star Sports Network TV channels in India. Whether you’re at home, at work (don’t tell your boss), or at a friend’s place, just tune into Star Sports.

Online Streaming: Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website. This is perfect for those of us who are glued to our phones or prefer watching on laptops. The best part? You can rewind and rewatch those jaw-dropping moments when a franchise goes all-in for a player.

What Makes This Auction Different?

Unlike last year’s mega auction where teams could rebuild from scratch, the IPL 2026 auction is a mini auction. What does that mean for us fans? Most teams already have their core intact and are looking to fill specific gaps rather than overhauling their entire squad.

But don’t let the word “mini” fool you. There are 359 players competing for 77 slots, including 31 spots reserved for overseas stars, according to recent updates. Some franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to be extremely active after disappointing performances last season.

The drama is guaranteed. The unpredictability? Off the charts.

The Money Talk: Who Has the Biggest Purse?

Let’s be honest—one of the most exciting parts of the auction is watching teams throw massive amounts of money at players. All ten franchises have a combined purse of Rs 237 crore available to spend.

Here’s how the purses stack up:

Kolkata Knight Riders lead with Rs 64.30 crore, followed by Chennai Super Kings with Rs 43.40 crore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad with Rs 38.15 crore. On the other end, Mumbai Indians have just Rs 2.75 crore to work with, which means they’ll need to be incredibly strategic with their picks.

KKR’s massive purse gives them enormous leverage. They can set the tone for the entire auction, driving up prices and forcing other teams to make tough decisions. It’s like watching a high-stakes poker game where everyone’s trying to outsmart each other.

The Players to Watch

Every auction has its superstars, and this one is no different. While I can’t predict who’ll go for the highest price, certain names are generating serious buzz.

Cameron Green is expected to attract hefty bids after his performances in recent seasons. Then there’s the curious case of players like Prithvi Shaw, who’ve shown flashes of brilliance but need the right environment to flourish. The Indian contingent includes several uncapped talents who could become overnight sensations if they land with the right franchise.

The youngest player in the auction pool is Wahidullah Zadran of Afghanistan, who’s just 18 years old. Imagine being that young and having ten IPL franchises potentially bidding for you. The pressure, the excitement, the life-changing moment—it’s overwhelming just thinking about it.

New Rules That Change the Game

Here’s something that caught my attention: There’s a new salary cap for overseas players, with the maximum amount set at Rs 18 crore. This matches the highest retention price, even though last year’s mega auction saw Rishabh Pant go for Rs 27 crore.

Also, there are no Right-to-Match (RTM) cards available this year. This means if a franchise released a player they previously owned, they’ll have to bid against everyone else to get them back. No safety net. No shortcuts. Just pure, competitive bidding.

And if you thought tie-breakers were straightforward, think again. This year introduces a silent, closed-door bidding process for ties, where franchises submit written bids indicating extra amounts they’re willing to pay to BCCI (not the player) to secure the player’s services. It’s a fascinating new twist that could lead to some incredible behind-the-scenes drama.

Why This Auction Matters More Than You Think

I’ve been following the IPL since its early days, and every auction feels like the start of something new. It’s not just about buying players—it’s about building dreams, creating combinations, and giving fans something to believe in for the next few months.

For the players, especially the uncapped ones, this auction could change their lives overnight. One successful bid, and suddenly they’re training alongside their heroes, earning more money than they ever imagined, and living the dream millions aspire to.

For the franchises, it’s about finding that perfect balance between experience and youth, aggression and stability, star power and team chemistry. One wrong move could haunt them all season. One masterstroke could lead them to glory.

And for us fans? It’s the start of speculation season. We’ll debate every pick, question every decision, and defend our team’s choices to anyone who’ll listen. We’ll create fantasy teams in our heads, predict playing elevens, and start counting down the days until the first match.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

There’s something deeply personal about auction day. I remember last year watching a young player’s name come up, and the camera cut to him sitting nervously with his family. When the bids started flying, his mother covered her face, unable to watch. When a franchise finally won him, the pure joy and relief on their faces—that’s what the IPL auction is really about.

It’s about Mohammad Siraj’s journey from a small town to becoming one of the most sought-after fast bowlers. It’s about players like Natarajan, who went from playing club cricket to representing India. It’s about second chances, redemption arcs, and proving doubters wrong.

Today, somewhere in India or across the world, there’s a young cricketer sitting with their family, heart pounding, palms sweating, waiting to hear their name called. That moment when the auctioneer says “SOLD”—it’s life-changing, and we get to be part of it.

What to Expect Today

The auction typically starts with capped batters and gradually moves through different categories. The 359 players have been grouped into 42 sets, classified by their primary disciplines—batters, bowlers, all-rounders, and wicketkeepers—and by capped or uncapped status.

Expect the first hour to be intense, with big names and potentially bigger bids. The middle sessions often slow down as teams become more strategic about their remaining purse. The final sets are where you find the real bargains—uncapped players who might just be the difference between a playoff spot and an early exit.

Final Thoughts

As I write this, the clock is ticking towards 2:30 PM IST. My phone is charged, my snacks are ready, and I’ve cleared my schedule for the afternoon. The IPL auction is more than just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of cricket, dreams, and possibilities.

Whether your team has Rs 64 crore to spend or just Rs 2.75 crore, whether they’re chasing a superstar or hunting for hidden gems, today is when hope springs eternal. Every franchise believes they can build a championship team. Every player believes this is their year. And every fan believes their team will make the right calls.

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for one of the most exciting days in the cricket calendar. The IPL 2026 auction is here, and it’s going to be absolutely electric.

Let the bidding wars begin!