December 16 is the date everyone’s been waiting for this year. Abu Dhabi in the UAE hosts the massive IPL 2026 auction where franchises spend big money.
A total of 1,377 players have registered their names hoping someone picks them up. The bidding war starts at 4 PM IST sharp, so clear your schedules according to that.
IPL 2026 Auction Date, Venue and Time Details
Mark your calendars because the IPL 2026 bidding is set for December 16 now. Abu Dhabi becomes the place where all 10 franchises gather to build their squads. The time kicks off at 4 PM IST for those watching from home. This auction happens just before the 19th edition begins next year.
Star Sports Networks will broadcast the entire event live throughout the afternoon and evening. JioHotstar app and website also stream everything for fans who prefer watching online. You won’t miss a single bid if you tune in at the right moment.
How Many Players Are Up for Grabs?
The numbers are absolutely insane for this IPL 2026 auction compared to previous years. A total of 1,062 Indian players have thrown their hats into the ring. Another 293 overseas cricketers are also available for teams to pick from today. That’s a crazy amount of talent waiting to get bought by franchises.
Out of everyone registered, 212 are capped international players with proven track records already. The remaining 1,121 are uncapped players looking for their big IPL 2026 break finally. There are even 22 players from associate nations hoping to catch someone’s attention. Big Indian names like Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, and Ravi Bishnoi headline this auction list.
What’s the Budget Situation Looking Like?
- Kolkata Knight Riders – ₹ 64.3 CR
- Chennai Super Kings – ₹ 43.4 CR
- Sunrisers Hyderabad – ₹ 25.5 CR
- Lucknow Super Giants – ₹ 22.95 CR
- Delhi Capitals – ₹ 21.8 CR
- Rajasthan Royals – ₹ 16.05 CR
- Royal Challengers Bangalore – ₹ 16.4 CR
- Gujarat Titans – ₹ 12.9 CR
- Punjab Kings – ₹ 11.5 CR
- Mumbai Indians – ₹ 2.75 CR
KKR walks into this bidding with the fattest purse of Rs 64.30 crore available. That gives them serious buying power to grab whoever they want at this venue. Other franchises also carry substantial budgets ready to splash on quality players during bidding.
