 "Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history, while Kartik Sharma is the most expensive uncapped player. Image: AFP/Insta-Kartik")
The IPL 2026 mini auction was held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16, and it produced several big-money signings. Franchises did not hesitate to spend heavily, both on established stars and on uncapped Indian players who impressed in domestic cricket.
The biggest buy of the auction was Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a massive Rs 25.20 crore. Green once again proved his value, becoming the most expensive overseas player of IPL history. KKR were also aggressive in signing Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made history by spending Rs 14.20 crore each on two uncapped Indian players - Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. The duo became the joint-most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured England all-rounder Liam Livingstone for Rs 13 crore, while KKR added Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore to strengthen their bowling attack.
Another major talking point was Delhi Capitals’ purchase of uncapped Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Dar for Rs 8.40 crore. His strong Ranji Trophy performances earned him a big payday. Rajasthan Royals (RR) spent Rs 7.20 crore on leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, while Gujarat Titans (GT) signed Jason Holder for Rs 7 crore. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) picked up Venkatesh Iyer for the same amount.
RCB also showed faith in uncapped talent by spending Rs 5.20 crore on Mangesh Yadav. Delhi Capitals bought Sri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka for Rs 4 crore.
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View AllAmong other notable buys, KKR spent Rs 3 crore on uncapped Tejasvi Singh and Rs 2 crore on Finn Allen. Punjab Kings (PBKS) signed young all-rounder Cooper Connolly for Rs 3 crore. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) invested in uncapped Indian players Mukul Choudhary (Rs 2.60 crore) and Akshat Raghuwanshi (Rs 2.20 crore).
List of most expensive capped and uncapped players
| Sr. No. | Player | Base Price | Winning Bid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cameron Green (KKR) | Rs 2 crore | Rs 25.20 crore |
| 2 | Matheesha Pathirana (KKR) | Rs 2 crore | Rs 18.00 crore |
| 3 | Kartik Sharma (CSK) | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 14.20 crore |
| 4 | Prashant Veer (CSK) | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 14.20 crore |
| 5 | Liam Livingstone (SRH) | Rs 2 crore | Rs 13.00 crore |
| 6 | Mustafizur Rahman (KKR) | Rs 2 crore | Rs 9.20 crore |
| 7 | Josh Inglis (LSG) | Rs 2 crore | Rs 8.60 crore |
| 8 | Auqib Dar (DC) | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 8.40 crore |
| 9 | Ravi Bishnoi (RR) | Rs 2 crore | Rs 7.20 crore |
| 10 | Jason Holder (GT) | Rs 2 crore | Rs 7.00 crore |
| 11 | Venkatesh Iyer (RCB) | Rs 2 crore | Rs 7.00 crore |
| 12 | Rahul Chahar (CSK) | Rs 1 crore | Rs 5.20 crore |
| 13 | Mangesh Yadav (RCB) | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 5.20 crore |
| 14 | Ben Dwarshuis (PBKS) | Rs 1 crore | Rs 4.40 crore |
| 15 | Pathum Nissanka (DC) | Rs 75 lakh | Rs 4.00 crore |
| 16 | Tejasvi Singh (KKR) | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 3.00 crore |
| 17 | Cooper Connolly (PBKS) | Rs 2 crore | Rs 3.00 crore |
| 18 | Jack Edwards (SRH) | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 3.00 crore |
| 19 | Mukul Choudhary (LSG) | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 2.60 crore |
| 20 | Adam Milne (RR) | Rs 2 crore | Rs 2.40 crore |