IPL 2026 Auction: BCCI Last‑Minute Rule Shakeup and Big‑Money Player Picks

 The IPL 2026 mini‑auction in Abu Dhabi has become one of the most controversial and high‑stakes bidding events in league history after the BCCI introduced last‑minute rule changes that have left several franchises frustrated and scrambling to adjust strategies. Among the most debated shifts are revisions to the tie‑breaker bidding process and tweaks to how the Right to Match (RTM) clause functions, which clubs say distort planning just days before the auction. 

Beyond the rules drama, the auction itself featured several headline-grabbing player acquisitions as teams sought to strengthen squads for the 2026 season. A notable trend this year is that franchises are working under a new rule capping how much overseas players can receive—any bid above ₹18 crore still goes into the total spend, but only ₹18 crore is paid to the player, with excess funds directed to the BCCI.

One of the biggest surprises of the day was Australian all‑rounder Cameron Green, who attracted strong interest and went for around ₹17.5 crore—just below the overseas payment cap—underscoring his status as one of the most sought‑after players. South African pace ace Pat Cummins commanded around ₹20.5 crore in bidding, setting a lofty figure despite the payment ceiling. Other overseas draws included Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone, who received sizable bids reflecting their all‑round value.

Among late‑added names, veteran Quinton de Kock made a surprise return to the IPL auction pool after being added to the final 350‑player list by the BCCI at a ₹1 crore base price, drawing interest from multiple franchises given his recent international form. Several domestic players—including Abhimanyu Easwaran—were also added at the last minute, giving teams fresh options amid tight squad‑building timelines. 

Franchises still hold a total of 77 slots across 10 teams with varying purses remaining, from Kolkata Knight Riders’ ₹64.30 crore to Mumbai Indians’ ₹2.75 crore, forcing some sides into bold bidding decisions and others into more conservative approaches.

With tension between traditional strategies and the new auction dynamics, many team officials described the situation as unprecedented, citing last‑minute changes and unexpected signings as key factors reshaping the IPL landscape ahead of the 2026 tournament kickoff.