As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, 45 high-profile cricketers, led by Australia’s Cameron Green, have positioned themselves in the highest base-price bracket of INR 2 crore. Green, expected to be a centerpiece of several bidding wars, missed the 2025 mega-auction due to injury but remains one of the most valuable all-rounders available. His versatility in batting, bowling, and fielding makes him especially attractive to teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, both holding substantial auction budgets.

Notably absent from the list is Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder who had a strong presence last year but is recovering from a fractured finger. Other prominent players such as England’s Moeen Ali and West Indies’ Andre Russell have also opted out, focusing on other engagements or shifting roles. Russell, for example, has retired from playing to join KKR as a "power coach," changing the dynamics of team compositions this season.

A massive pool of 1,355 players has registered for the auction, competing for just 77 available squad spots across IPL franchises. With squads capped at 25 players and many key talents released back into the auction, franchises are faced with intense decisions. Several released stars, including Matheesha Pathirana and Liam Livingstone, have set their base salaries at the top tier, signaling their intent to remain competitive.

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The auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, will see teams finalize their wishlists by early December. With franchises eager to bolster their squads, especially those that have released major players, the IPL 2026 auction promises to be a defining moment in shaping the league's new season.

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