[WATCH] IPL 2026: Nikhil Chaudhary hopes to represent Punjab Kings in upcoming edition

Nikhil Chaudhary, just a day after his name began trending for being listed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, has now revealed the franchise he hopes to represent in the upcoming season of the cash-rich league. The IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, where franchises will look to strengthen their squads ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Post Punjabi, Chaudhary expressed his desire to play for Punjab Kings (PBKS), stating that the franchise has always been close to his heart. He mentioned that he remains optimistic about being picked by PBKS, who finished as runners-up in IPL 2025, ending an 11-year wait to reach the final once again.

In a development that has sparked curiosity among fans, Chaudhary, who currently plays domestic cricket in Australia, has been listed as an uncapped Indian all-rounder in the auction pool. He appears in the fifth set of uncapped all-rounders and has set his base price at INR 40 lakh. Despite moving abroad, his state association continues to be listed as the Punjab Cricket Association, adding another layer of intrigue to his profile.

Chaudhary made his List A and T20 debuts for Punjab back in 2017. Since shifting his cricketing pursuits to Australia in 2020, he has remained active across domestic competitions and even featured in the Big Bash League (BBL), representing the Hobart Hurricanes. Notably, he is only the second Indian-origin player after Unmukt Chand to appear in the BBL. His eligibility for overseas leagues stems from the BCCI’s regulation that prohibits active Indian players from participating in foreign leagues unless they retire from all formats of Indian cricket.

As far as auction dynamics are concerned, franchises will vie for 77 available slots, including 31 overseas positions. The highest reserve price is INR 2 crore, with 40 players listed in this top bracket. Out of the initial 1390 registrants, only 350 players have been shortlisted, 240 Indian and 110 overseas. Earlier this year, all ten franchises announced their list of retained players, laying the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting mini-auction.