
The IPL 2026 auction is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16. This year’s event promises exciting player movement with a total of 359 players shortlisted for the bidding.
Fans can catch the live telecast on Star Sports network channels, with the live streaming available on the JioHotstar app.
The auction kicks off at 1:00 PM local time (2:30 PM IST), and the telecast begins at 2:00 PM IST.
Among the players going under the hammer, 244 are Indian cricketers while 115 are overseas. The bidding will see franchises vying for a maximum of 77 slots, which includes 31 slots reserved for overseas players.
| Player Category | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| Indian Cricketers | 244 |
| Overseas Cricketers | 115 |
| Total Players | 359 |
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are entering the auction with the biggest purse of ₹64.30 crore, allowing them to fill up a maximum of 13 slots, including six for overseas players.
A new ‘maximum-fee’ rule has been introduced, capping overseas player salaries at ₹18 crore during the mini-auction, regardless of previous auction bids.
With the IPL 2026 auction rapidly approaching, excitement and anticipation are building. Make sure to tune in live and get real-time updates throughout the event!






