The BCCI has just dropped a bombshell rule change ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. Overseas players now face a salary cap of ₹18 crore maximum earnings. This new policy completely changes how international cricketers get paid in IPL.
How the New Salary Cap Works
The BCCI introduced this salary cap for overseas players to create a better balance. Say some franchise bids ₹20 crore for an international star at auction. The player actually receives only ₹18 crore in their pocket after winning.
Where does that extra ₹2 crore go then? The board redirects it straight into their cricket welfare fund instead. But here’s the catch – franchises still pay the full ₹20 crore. The team’s auction purse takes the complete hit regardless of caps.
Indian cricketers don’t face any salary restrictions under this new rule. If an Indian cricketer gets sold for ₹20 crore, he pockets everything. The board designed this rule specifically for international cricketers participating in IPL.
Why BCCI Made This Change
The salary limit for international players addresses some serious financial imbalances developing lately. Some international stars were commanding massive prices while welfare programs needed funding. The board found a solution that helps both issues simultaneously here.
Money going to the welfare fund supports cricket development across India. Grassroots programs, infrastructure improvements, and player support systems all benefit from this. The Indian board wants to invest more in building cricket’s future everywhere.
The IPL 2026 mini-auction happens on December 16 in Abu Dhabi with this rule. A record 1,355 cricketers registered globally hoping to get picked up. Only 77 spots exist across ten franchises with 31 reserved for overseas players.
Big Names Affected by Cap
Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana both enter at a ₹2 crore base price. These international stars will attract huge bids but can’t earn beyond ₹18. Kolkata Knight Riders have the fattest purse at ₹64.30 crore after retaining 12.
The new salary rule changes the strategy for teams chasing international superstars significantly. Franchises must decide if paying full price makes sense when cricketers receive less. This IPL 2026 Auction promises drama with these controversial new rules.
