The IPL 2026 auction is happening on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. A total of 77 player slots are up for grabs. But three big international stars won’t be there at all.
BCCI brought in strict new rules before the mega auction. These regulations have blocked some famous players from entering the auction. Even if they want to play now, they simply can’t.
Players like Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell, and David Miller are safe. They followed all the rules properly. But three veteran cricketers missed out due to the new regulations.
What Are BCCI’s New Rules?
BCCI introduced two major changes before IPL 2025’s mega auction. These rules changed everything for overseas players.
The first rule is simple but tough. Every foreign player must register for the mega auction. If someone skips registration, they can’t enter next year’s auction either. That’s an automatic ban basically.
The second rule hits even harder on players. Any cricketer who withdraws after getting bought faces serious consequences. BCCI bans them for two full years from auctions and IPL participation. That’s a massive penalty for pulling out.
Three Big Names Missing from IPL 2026
Ben Stokes
Stokes won’t be at the IPL 2026 auction. England’s Test captain didn’t register for last year’s mega auction. He wanted to manage his workload and focus on England duties. Now, BCCI’s rules have locked him out completely.
Harry Brook
Brook is another casualty of these strict regulations. He withdrew from IPL 2024 because of a family issue. Delhi Capitals still picked him for ₹6.25 crore in 2025. But Brook pulled out again to prioritize international cricket. BCCI’s two-year ban now applies to him.
Jason Roy
Roy also can’t play the IPL 2026 anymore. The star English opener withdrew from IPL 2024 citing personal reasons. He didn’t register for the 2025 mega auction either. That decision has cost him dearly now.
Impact on Teams and Players
These rules show BCCI means serious business about commitment. Teams spent a huge money on players before. Then those players withdrew, leaving franchises stranded badly.
The regulations protect franchises from last-minute pullouts. But they also punish players who made genuine decisions. Brook’s family situation was totally understandable, yet he faces a ban.
Players must now think very carefully before registering. Withdrawing later could destroy their IPL careers for two years. That’s a long time in cricket.
