The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently announced the final list of 350 players who will go under the hammer at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, scheduled to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. The auction pool comprises 240 Indian and 110 overseas players, featuring a mix of young prospects and experienced campaigners.
Among them are several veterans who are approaching the twilight of their careers and hoping for one final opportunity to showcase their skills. This year’s auction includes some of the oldest active cricketers still available for selection. Here let us take a look at the three oldest players set to feature in the IPL 2026 auction.
Richard Gleeson (38 years)

England fast bowler Richard Gleeson returns to the IPL auction as one of the oldest overseas players in the pool. Gleeson’s cricketing journey is unique, as he made his professional debut at the age of 27 and earned his international debut for England at 34.
Gleeson featured for CSK in the 2024 season, where he played two matches and made an immediate impact. In 2025, he was also named by MI as a potential replacement option during the playoffs. Entering the auction at the age of 38 with a base price of INR 75 lakh, Gleeson could still attract interest due to his experience.
Umesh Yadav (38 years)

Veteran Indian pacer Umesh Yadav is another prominent name among the oldest players in the auction. At 38, Umesh remains known for his raw pace, especially in Indian conditions. In the IPL, he has claimed 144 wickets from 148 matches while representing multiple franchises.
Some of his standout seasons include 19 wickets for Delhi Daredevils in 2012, 20 wickets for RCB in 2018, and a strong comeback with KKR in 2022. After going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction due to injury concerns. He has set his base price at INR 1.5 crore for the 2026 auction.
Jalaj Saxena (39 years)

At 39, Jalaj Saxena is the oldest player in the IPL 2026 auction pool, with a base price of INR 40 lakh. A true domestic legend, Saxena has enjoyed a remarkable Ranji Trophy career, becoming the first player to score over 6,000 runs and take more than 400 wickets in the competition. Across formats, he boasts nearly 500 First-Class wickets and over 7,000 runs.
Despite limited opportunities in the IPL with franchises such as Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Saxena’s experience makes him a valuable option.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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