The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction concluded on Tuesday, December 16, in Abu Dhabi, with several established stars and emerging players securing lucrative contracts for the upcoming season. All 10 franchises successfully filled their squads to the maximum limit of 25 players, making it one of the most eventful mini-auctions in recent years.
Topping the list of the five most expensive buys was Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who was snapped up by three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a massive ₹25.20 crore. Mumbai Indians (MI) initiated the bidding, and after an intense contest involving multiple franchises and as many as 57 bids, KKR emerged victorious in securing Green’s services.
The second most expensive player was Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana. Released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the auction, Pathirana attracted heavy interest and was eventually bought by KKR for ₹18 crore, marking a significant jump in his valuation.
The third and fourth spots on the list were occupied by two uncapped Indian cricketers, Prashanth Veer and Kartik Sharma. Both players were signed by CSK for ₹14.20 crore each, creating history as the most expensive uncapped buys in IPL auction history. Veer, an all-rounder, and Sharma, a wicketkeeper-batter, are seen as long-term investments by the five-time champions.
Rounding off the top five was England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹13 crore. Despite a below-par season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Livingstone drew strong interest at the auction and will now join SRH’s overseas core alongside Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Pat Cummins.
Among overseas players, Green, Pathirana, and Livingstone were the three most expensive buys. Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was also in high demand, with KKR securing him for ₹9.20 crore. Meanwhile, England wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, despite indicating limited availability for the season, fetched ₹8.60 crore after being signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
5 most expensive buys in the IPL 2026 mini auction
| Player | Country | Role | Franchise | Price (INR) |
| Cameron Green | Australia | All Rounder | Kolkata Knight Riders | 25.20 crore |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Sri Lanka | Bowler | Kolkata Knight Riders | 18 crore |
| Prashant Veer | India | All Rounder | Chennai Super Kings | 14.20 crore |
| Kartik Sharma | India | Wicketkeeper | Chennai Super Kings | 14.20 crore |
| Liam Livingstone | England | All Rounder | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 13 crore |
5 most expensive overseas players in the IPL 2026 mini auction
| Player | Country | Role | Franchise | Price (INR) |
| Cameron Green | Australia | All Rounder | Kolkata Knight Riders | 25.20 crore |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Sri Lanka | Bowler | Kolkata Knight Riders | 18 crore |
| Liam Livingstone | England | All Rounder | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 13 crore |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Bangladesh | Bowler | Kolkata Knight Riders | 9.20 crore |
| Josh Inglis | Australia | Wicketkeeper | Lucknow Super Giants | 8.60 crore |
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