The countdown to the IPL 2026 season has begun, with the auction set to take centre stage. Franchises will battle it out to rebuild squads and fill key gaps. With limited slots and uneven purses, the auction promises high drama. Fans now eagerly await every detail, from player lists to bidding strategies.
IPL Auction 2026 Players List
A total of 359 players will go under the hammer at the IPL 2026 auction. The original pool had 1,355 names. The BCCI later trimmed the list to 350 before adding a few more players.
There are 77 slots available across the 10 franchises. This makes competition intense. One of the biggest talking points is the return of Quinton de Kock, which has surprised many fans and experts.
IPL 2026 Auction Date and Time
The IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to take place on December 16. This will be the first auction since the mega auction held in late 2024. The upcoming IPL season is expected to start in mid-March, shortly after the T20 World Cup ends on March 8.
IPL 2026 Auction Time
The IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to take place on December 16. The bidding will begin at 2:30 PM IST.
IPL 2026 Auction Venue
The auction will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It will take place at a five-star venue equipped for international broadcasting and media coverage.
The BCCI and IPL governing council finalised the venue after consultations with franchises and broadcasters. Abu Dhabi remains a preferred choice due to its robust infrastructure and global accessibility.
Which IPL Teams Have the Biggest and Smallest Purses?
Team purses will play a major role in shaping the auction.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have the biggest purse at Rs 64.3 crore
- Mumbai Indians (MI) have the smallest purse at Rs 2.75 crore
Teams with larger purses can bid aggressively. Teams with limited funds must focus on smart buys and backups. This imbalance adds an extra layer of intrigue to the auction table.
Where to Watch IPL 2026 Auction Live: IPL Auction 2026 Live Streaming
Fans can watch the IPL 2026 auction live on multiple platforms.
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website
This ensures fans across India and globally can follow every bid in real time.
Official IPL Confirmation Creates Buzz
The IPL officially confirmed the auction schedule on social media, sparking massive excitement among fans.
The gavel drops tomorrow! 🔨💰
The #TATAIPLAuction 2026 is almost here 🥳
Follow the #TATAIPL Auction tomorrow on https://t.co/4n69KTSZN3 💻 pic.twitter.com/oYvUBaBwMJ
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 15, 2025
The announcement quickly went viral and set social media buzzing.
IPL 2026 Start Date
The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on March 22, 2026, kicking off the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League with ten teams competing across India until May 2026, with matches scheduled through March and April and ending in May.
Who Could Win IPL 2026?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defending champions. Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians remain the most successful teams in IPL history. The Rajasthan Royals were the first-ever champions.
Fans are also backing teams like KKR, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals. Others hope for a first title win for the Punjab Kings or the Lucknow Super Giants. The auction could shape the next champion.
Why the IPL 2026 Auction Matters
The IPL 2026 auction will be the 19th edition auction since the league began in 2008. Every bid can change a team’s future. With star returns, tight purses, and fresh talent, this auction could define the season.
As franchises prepare their final strategies, fans prepare for a day packed with suspense, surprises, and record-breaking bids.
