IPL Auction 2026: Record-Breaking Bids, Uncapped Heroes & Major Surprises
The cricketing world is buzzing with excitement as the IPL Auction 2026 continues to deliver jaw-dropping moments, record-breaking bids, and plenty of surprises. From Australian all-rounder Cameron Green becoming the costliest overseas player ever to uncapped Indian talents earning life-changing contracts, this auction has truly been one for the history books.
If you’ve been following the action, you already know that the accelerated Round 3 is about to begin, with all teams submitting a list of three players each. Let’s dive deep into everything that has happened so far and what makes this auction absolutely special.
Cameron Green Creates History at IPL Auction 2026
The Costliest Overseas Player Ever
The IPL Auction 2026 witnessed history being made when Australian powerhouse Cameron Green was sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering Rs 25.20 crore. This bid didn’t just break IPL records—it shattered the world record for any overseas player in any franchise cricket competition globally.
The bidding war between KKR and Chennai Super Kings was nothing short of electrifying. Both franchises pushed hard to acquire the dynamic all-rounder, but Shah Rukh Khan’s KKR ultimately prevailed. Green surpassed his compatriot Mitchell Starc’s previous record of Rs 24.75 crore (IPL 2024, KKR), cementing his place in cricket history.
Why Cameron Green Commanded Such a Premium
Cameron Green brings exceptional value to any team. He offers:
- Explosive batting in the middle order
- Quality pace bowling that can trouble any batsman
- Outstanding fielding abilities
- Youth and fitness that promises longevity
KKR clearly sees Green as a franchise-defining player, and his price tag reflects his all-round capabilities.
SRH Secures Liam Livingstone for Rs 13 Crore
In Round 2 of the IPL Auction 2026, Sunrisers Hyderabad made a significant move by acquiring England’s explosive batsman Liam Livingstone for Rs 13 crore. After initially going unsold earlier in the auction, Livingstone found a buyer in the accelerated round.
The English all-rounder is known for his destructive hitting abilities and can turn any game within a few overs. SRH’s decision to invest heavily in Livingstone shows their intent to build a power-packed batting lineup for the upcoming season.
Uncapped Indians: The Real Winners of This Auction
CSK Makes History with Record-Breaking Bids
Perhaps the most heartwarming story from the IPL Auction 2026 is the rise of uncapped Indian players. Chennai Super Kings made headlines by purchasing the uncapped duo of Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.20 crore each—the highest-ever IPL salary for any uncapped player!
This bold move by CSK under MS Dhoni’s watchful eye demonstrates the franchise’s faith in raw Indian talent and their willingness to invest in the future.
Other Uncapped Crorepatis
The RCB pick of Mangesh Yadav—who has played just 2 T20 matches—for Rs 5.20 crore was particularly surprising and sparked widespread discussion among cricket fans.
Other Major Deals from IPL Auction 2026
International Stars Who Found New Homes
The auction saw several international players securing lucrative deals:
- Matheesha Pathirana (KKR) – Rs 18 Crore
- Mustafizur Rahman (KKR) – Rs 9.2 Crore
- Ravi Bishnoi (RR) – Rs 7.20 Crore
- Venkatesh Iyer (RCB) – Rs 7 Crore
KKR has clearly focused on building a formidable bowling attack by adding Pathirana and Mustafizur to their squad. The Sri Lankan speedster Pathirana, known for his unique action and deadly yorkers, will be a valuable asset in death overs.
Shocking Omissions: Big Names Go Unsold
Not everyone had a successful day at the IPL Auction 2026. Some prominent names surprisingly went unsold:
- Sarfaraz Khan – The prolific domestic run-scorer failed to attract bids
- Prithvi Shaw – The former India opener continues his struggle
- Liam Livingstone (initially) – Later picked by SRH in accelerated round
These omissions highlight the unpredictable nature of IPL auctions, where reputation doesn’t always guarantee contracts.
What’s Next: Accelerated Round 3
The accelerated Round 3 of the IPL Auction 2026 is about to commence. In this phase, all franchises will submit a list of three players each that they’re interested in. This round typically sees fast-paced bidding and quick decisions, often resulting in surprise picks and bargain deals.
Fans should keep their eyes peeled for:
- Remaining overseas stars looking for homes
- Specialist players filling specific team needs
- Potential bargain picks that could turn into match-winners
Complete Team Spending Overview
Here’s a quick look at how teams have spent so far:
| Team | Marquee Signing | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| KKR | Cameron Green | Rs 25.20 Cr |
| KKR | Matheesha Pathirana | Rs 18 Cr |
| CSK | Prashant Veer | Rs 14.20 Cr |
| CSK | Kartik Sharma | Rs 14.20 Cr |
| SRH | Liam Livingstone | Rs 13 Cr |
| DC | Aquib Dar | Rs 8.40 Cr |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the most expensive player in IPL Auction 2026?
Cameron Green from Australia is the most expensive player, sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 25.20 crore, making him the costliest overseas player in IPL history.
2. Which uncapped Indian players got the highest bids?
Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, both picked by CSK for Rs 14.20 crore each, hold the record for the highest-ever IPL salary for uncapped players.
3. Why did Sarfaraz Khan go unsold?
Despite his excellent domestic record, Sarfaraz Khan didn’t attract bids, possibly due to team composition requirements, budget constraints, or preference for specific player types.
4. How much did SRH pay for Liam Livingstone?
Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired Liam Livingstone for Rs 13 crore in Round 2 of the accelerated auction.
5. Which team spent the most on overseas players?
Kolkata Knight Riders invested heavily in overseas talent, spending Rs 25.20 crore on Cameron Green and Rs 18 crore on Matheesha Pathirana alone.
Final Thoughts
The IPL Auction 2026 has been an absolute roller-coaster, filled with record-breaking moments, emotional highs for uncapped players, and surprising twists. Cameron Green’s world-record deal and the remarkable rise of homegrown talent have made this auction truly memorable.
As the accelerated rounds continue, cricket fans worldwide remain glued to their screens, eager to see which players find new homes and which teams build the strongest squads for IPL 2026. One thing is certain—this season promises to be bigger and better than ever before!
