Sarfaraz, after a promising start to his Test career, failed to draw bids in the previous auction
MUMBAI
The build-up to the IPL 2026 Player Auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, gathered momentum on Tuesday with Sarfaraz Khan and Prithvi Shaw featuring prominently in the opening set of players released by the league. The pair, who went unsold in last year’s mega auction, headline the capped batters’ group this time with a base price of ₹75 lakh each.
Sarfaraz, despite an encouraging start to his Test career, did not attract any bids in the previous auction. Shaw, dropped by Mumbai midway through the last domestic season, revived his fortunes after moving to Maharashtra, where consistency and improved fitness helped restore his reputation. Their inclusion in the first set signals renewed interest ahead of a highly competitive auction.
They are grouped alongside top overseas names such as Devon Conway, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, and David Miller, each listed at the ₹2 crore base price. Notably, Green—usually classified as an all-rounder—has been listed only as a batter this year.
The IPL authorities released the final list of 350 players on Tuesday morning, comprising 240 Indians and 110 overseas cricketers, from whom a maximum of 77 signings can be made. The auction pool features 40 players in the highest base price bracket of ₹2 crore, while 227 uncapped domestic players have set their base price at ₹30 lakh, the lowest available tier.
The second set of players includes Venkatesh Iyer (₹2 crore), the high-profile all-rounder released by Kolkata Knight Riders, along with Deepak Hooda (₹75 lakh) and five prominent overseas all-rounders. With major names, intriguing comeback stories and limited slots, the 2026 auction promises intense bidding wars and strategic gambles from all ten franchises.
