The IPL auction in Abu Dhabi is set to unleash a bidding frenzy as 350 cricketers from around the world, including 240 from India, go under the hammer on Tuesday, December 16. Late addition to the final list is South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, a marquee name among those entering the auction pool. In total, 1,390 players initially registered, with the field pared down to 1,005 before 350 were shortlisted. Ten franchises will chase 77 slots, 31 of which are overseas, ahead of the 19th edition of the IPL.
Auction sparks already fly as Cam Green, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan and other big names are expected to draw intense interest. Shaw, who played in the IPL regularly from 2018 to 2024, has a base price of Rs 75 lakh, but went unsold last season. Sarfaraz Khan, absent from the league since 2021, also features in the list. Other notable players with a base price of Rs 2 crore include Cameron Green, Jake Fraser-McGurk of Australia, New Zealand’s Devon Conway, and South Africa’s David Miller. With teams aiming to strengthen ahead of IPL 2026, several players could trigger bidding wars as squads are finalised.
Cameron Green’s name is drawing attention from multiple franchises. Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to be highly active, armed with a large purse and a need to replace Andre Russell. Chennai Super Kings are also in the market for an overseas all-rounder, a role Green could fill, especially if Pathirana remains unavailable or outbid at a lower price. CSK has been linked with Matheesha Pathirana after releasing him, and if that option doesn’t materialize, they may explore other overseas fast bowlers.
Other teams looking at overseas pace options include Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Lucknow Super Giants have released Ravi Bishnoi and could seek to replace him or re-sign him depending on how bidding unfolds. Rajasthan Royals are reportedly seeking a wrist-spinner, with a preference for an Indian option given limited overseas slots. Chennai Super Kings also reportedly have eyes on Liam Livingstone, after missing out on him previously. Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings are considering overseas finishers or all-rounders to bolster finishing power.
Among the notable batting and all-round options, 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith has attracted attention for his aggressive approach. Wicketkeeper-batter prospects remain a priority for Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings.
Anrich Nortje brings express pace and death-overs expertise, making him a target for teams seeking an overseas fast bowler who can strike late in the innings. For finishing power, David Miller remains a reliable option with his proven ability to close games. Quinton de Kock, released by Kolkata Knight Riders, brings wealth of experience from 12 IPL seasons across six franchises, having scored over 3,300 runs in 115 matches, including two centuries and 24 fifties.
Wanindu Hasaranga offers important middle-overs wickets and lower-order hitting, fitting well into many team compositions at a Rs 2 crore base price. Venkatesh Iyer brings top-order batting and part-time bowling, adding valuable all-round utility for franchises.
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