The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi is witnessing another dramatic chapter in IPL history as the frenzied bidding for the 2026 season unfolds. In a stunning opening act, the auction has already delivered a seismic record and surprising twists, reshaping team fortunes and player destinies.
The Headline Act: Cameron Green Creates History
The biggest story of the day so far is the monumental acquisition of Australian powerhouse Cameron Green. In a fierce bidding war, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious, securing the all-rounder for a staggering INR 25.2 crore. This bid makes Green the most expensive player in the history of IPL mini-auctions, shattering previous records and underlining his immense value as a game-changer.
Pay Cuts and Surprising Moves
In a contrasting tale, Venkatesh Iyer faced a stark reality check. After a high-profile stint, the dynamic Indian all-rounder was picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 7 crore, a significant reduction from his previous season's salary. This move highlights the auction's unpredictable nature, where form, team needs, and purse management lead to dramatic valuation shifts.
The Unsold List Stuns
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping development was the fate of several high-profile names. Big-hitters like Liam Livingstone and Prithvi Shaw, along with the in-form Sarfaraz Khan and New Zealand sensation Rachin Ravindra, found no takers after the initial rounds. Their going unsold sent shockwaves through the auction hall, though they remain eligible to be called back in the accelerated stages later.
The middle sets focused on bowlers and all-rounders, leading to strategic purchases:
Matheesha Pathirana (INR 18 cr to KKR): The "Baby Malinga" sparked another bidding war, with KKR investing heavily to secure his lethal death-bowling services.
Ravi Bishnoi (INR 7.2 cr to RR): The wrist-spinner found a new home with the Rajasthan Royals, who bolstered their spin attack significantly.
Smart Utility Picks: Teams filled specialist slots with calculated bids:
Jacob Duffy (INR 2 cr to RCB)
Anrich Nortje (INR 2 cr to LSG) – a potential steal if fit.
Akeal Hosein (INR 2 cr to CSK)
Updated Team Purse: The War Chests
Following the early fireworks, the remaining purse balance reveals who holds the power for the upcoming rounds:
Chennai Super Kings: INR 41.4 crore
Sunrisers Hyderabad: INR 25.5 crore
Kolkata Knight Riders: INR 19.1 crore
Lucknow Super Giants: INR 18.95 crore
Delhi Capitals: INR 17.8 crore
Gujarat Titans: INR 12.9 crore
Punjab Kings: INR 11.5 crore
Rajasthan Royals: INR 8.65 crore
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: INR 7.4 crore
Mumbai Indians: INR 1.75 crore
What Next?
With massive funds still available for teams like CSK and SRH, and star names waiting in the unsold pool, the accelerated bidding rounds promise even more drama. All eyes will be on whether the unsold stars receive late lifelines and how the big-spending teams utilize their formidable financial muscle. The auction for IPL 2026 is far from over.
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