The Australian all-rounder Cameron Green lived up to his billing as the most sought-after player in the IPL 2026 mini auction, igniting an explosive bidding war that shattered records. Starting from his base price of ₹2.00 crore, the bidding saw intense participation from Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals before the two financial heavyweights, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), took center stage.

The battle between the two biggest purses quickly escalated, driving Green’s price past the ₹20 crore mark and ultimately resulting in a historic purchase. KKR, with their massive budget, secured the versatile player for a final hammer price of ₹25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history, and the third-most expensive player overall. This significant acquisition addresses KKR’s long-standing need for a premium, high-impact seam-bowling all-rounder in their squad.

IPL 2026 mini-auction: Record-shattering bidding war for Cameron Green between KKR and CSK

The bidding for Green was the defining moment of the IPL 2026 auction, immediately triggering a fierce contest that validated his immense pre-auction hype. The bidding commenced swiftly, starting with Mumbai and then Rajasthan, who pushed the price up to 13.40 crore before backing out, unable to match the rising stakes. The real battle ignited when Chennai entered the fray, setting up a head-to-head clash with Kolkata.

With KKR boasting the largest remaining purse (64.30 crore) and CSK holding the second largest (43.40 crore), the stage was set for an epic financial duel for the services of the Australian star. The two franchises exchanged bids 45 times, pushing the price far beyond the 20 crore threshold, where the bidding slowed slightly but the determination remained firm. Ultimately, KKR emerged victorious, sealing the deal for 25.20 crore, a figure that eclipsed the previous record for an overseas player, establishing Green’s unparalleled value in the league.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Owners and CEO of all franchises

IPL 2026 mini-auction: Green Becomes IPL’s Most Expensive Overseas Player

Green’s final auction price of ₹25.20 crore not only made him KKR’s most expensive player ever but also crowned him the costliest overseas acquisition in the history of the Indian Premier League. This figure comfortably surpassed the previous record held by an overseas player, reflecting the extraordinary value franchises place on his specific, high-impact skillset: a high-quality batter who can provide crucial medium-fast overs.

Crucially, Green’s 25.20 crore bid officially broke the record set by his Australian teammate, Mitchell Starc, who was purchased by KKR in the 2024 auction for ₹24.75 crore. This latest bidding frenzy demonstrates the escalating financial stakes, particularly for elite all-rounders in the T20 format.

It is important to note the IPL’s new rule regarding overseas players: although Green’s final price was ₹ 25.20 crore, the maximum amount he can be paid for the mini-auction is capped at ₹ 18 crore, which was the highest retention slab for an Indian player in the previous cycle. The remaining amount of ₹ 7.20 crore will be remitted to the BCCI for player welfare initiatives, but the full bid amount is deducted from KKR’s purse.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

Go well, Green bhai! 🫶 pic.twitter.com/4H77VPR2Uo

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) December 16, 2025

Cameron Green – third highest paid player in the IPL History. I think CSK should have gone till 28-29 Crores, they missed a trick here. 🥺

— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) December 16, 2025

I feel like we could have placed a few more bids for Green but the obvious ended up happening anyways.

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) December 16, 2025

Presenting Kolkata’s all-new GREEN initiative 😉💜 pic.twitter.com/1lBJ7NTNPx

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 16, 2025

Thank you for your small but impactful contribution to RCBz, The streets wont forget you, Cameron Green ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Yz4G78QcO0

— Kevin (@imkevin149) December 16, 2025

Cameron Green for only 25 crs is kinda surprising considering how most people thought he’d get more than 30 Cr and become the most expensive IPL player of all time. CSK pulling out that quick shows how he wasn’t our top priority as any sane fan would know after looking at our…

— yash (@yxshh27) December 16, 2025

Hello Cameron, the signal is now G̶r̶e̶e̶n̶ Purple! 🤑#IPL2026Auction pic.twitter.com/Ae3Lv6ojX8

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 16, 2025

💰 INR 25.20 Crore 🤯🤯

The third most expensive player in the history of #TATAIPL auction! 🔨

Cameron Green will play for @KKRiders 💜#TATAIPLAuction pic.twitter.com/c0ErBPWHju

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 16, 2025

We are in for Cameron Green 🔥

— KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) December 16, 2025

Cameron Green becomes the costliest overseas buy in IPL history as KKR secure him for a staggering ₹25.20 crore #CameronGreen #KKR #IPL2026 #IPLAuction #australia #KolkataKnightRiders pic.twitter.com/wK5GQ5EqrK

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 16, 2025

Also READ: AI predicts the most costliest buy at IPL 2026 Auction

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa (ANI)

NEW DELHI: Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday said it was unrealistic to expect any elected government to bring down air pollution within a short period, as Delhi-NCR continued to struggle with severe smog conditions, with air quality ranging from poor to severe, raising serious health concerns for residents.“It is impossible for any elected government to reduce AQI in 9-10 months. I apologise for the pollution in Delhi. We are doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day. This disease of pollution is given to us by the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are working to fix it,” Sirsa said. Sirsa announced additional measures to curb pollution, saying that from Thursday, only BS-VI vehicles from outside Delhi will be permitted to enter the national capital. He also said that vehicle owners without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied fuel at petrol pumps starting Thursday.According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several areas including Anand Vihar, AIIMS, Ghazipur and India Gate reported very poor to severe air quality. Anand Vihar and Ghazipur recorded an AQI of 410 each, categorised as ‘severe’, while AIIMS stood at 397 and India Gate at 380, both in the ‘very poor’ category.With pollution levels exceeding critical limits, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked all measures under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. Stage-IV is the strictest level of restrictions, applied when AQI exceeds 450, and is aimed at reducing public exposure and preventing further deterioration of air quality.Last week, chief minister Rekha Gupta had also addressed protests over rising pollution levels, saying the crisis was the result of years of neglect and would take time to resolve. Speaking at an event in Pitampura, she said the government needed sufficient time to deal with the long-standing problem.“Those who make big statements and protest at India Gate… pollution is not something that appeared today, it has been a problem for years.What did the previous government do? Where were you at that time? This is a backlog of 27 years. The government needs at least 27 months to clear the backlog of 27 years,” Gupta said.

MUMBAI: Laying out its election strategy ahead of the forthcoming municipal elections, the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) on Monday said it will contest all municipal corporations across Maharashtra, positioning itself as a people-centric alternative focused on urban governance and civic issues.The party welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement to hold municipal elections in the state on January 15, calling it a crucial step towards strengthening grassroots democracy and urban local self-governance.NCP-SP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said the party is fully prepared to face the polls under the “visionary and steadfast leadership” of Sharad Pawar. He said the campaign will centre on transparency, accountability and sustainable urban development, with a sharp focus on everyday civic concerns such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply and employment.“These municipal elections give citizens an opportunity to assess the performance of those in power and to choose leadership that truly understands the complexities of urban challenges,” Tapase said.Taking a swipe at the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Tapase described the coalition as inherently unstable and predicted that it would “sink under its own weight.” He alleged that the alliance partners are locked in constant internal competition, more intent on political one-upmanship than on public welfare.“This internal power struggle will be clearly visible during the municipal elections, where allies will, in effect, be fighting one another,” he said.Tapase further claimed that voters across Maharashtra are increasingly disillusioned with what he termed opportunistic politics and are seeking experienced and credible leadership. “The NCP has consistently demonstrated these qualities under Sharad Pawar’s leadership,” he said.“The party is ready to face the electorate with confidence, clarity and commitment. We believe the upcoming municipal elections will signal a decisive shift in Maharashtra’s urban political landscape,” Tapase added.

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NEW DELHI: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday accused the Centre of attempting to dismantle the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act under the pretext of renaming and restructuring it, warning that the proposed changes could eventually lead to the scheme being scrapped.Speaking during a protest against the proposed renaming of MGNREGA to G RAM G, Priyanka Gandhi said the government was “obsessed” with changing names and argued that such exercises lead to unnecessary expenditure. She said the rural employment scheme carries the name of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, and altering it amounts to disrespect.“This scheme is named after Mahatma Gandhi. He is the Father of the Nation and his name should not be insulted,” she said.Priyanka Gandhi also pointed out that MGNREGA was enacted with unanimous political consensus. “When this law was passed, there was not a single national party that opposed it. It was made with everyone’s consent,” she said, adding that the law was meant to guarantee 100 days of employment to the poorest sections of society.Questioning the government’s claim that it was expanding employment from 100 to 125 days, she said the proposal was misleading. “On the surface, it appears they are increasing workdays, but if you read it carefully, the scheme itself could come to an end,” she said, alleging that there were multiple provisions that could weaken or dismantle the programme.She criticised the proposed change in the funding pattern, noting that earlier the Centre bore 90 percent of the financial responsibility. “Now the Centre wants the work to continue but is shifting the burden onto states. Poor states will not be able to afford this, and eventually the scheme will collapse,” Gandhi said.“The truth is that in the garb of changing the name of the scheme, they want to scrap this scheme. Why do they want to change the name of this scheme? Mahatma Gandhi is the father of the nation,” she added.

Gold prices declined in futures trade on Tuesday as traders booked profits and turned cautious ahead of the outcome of the US non-farm payrolls report, which is expected to offer fresh cues on the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate path. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for February delivery slipped by Rs 341, or 0.25 per cent, to trade at Rs 1,33,789 per 10 grams, with a business turnover of 13,900 lots. In the international markets, Comex gold futures for February delivery snapped a three-day winning streak, decreasing by $37.8, or 0.87%, to $4,297.4 per ounce.Here’s how much gold costs in your city today:

Gold rate in Delhi today

In the national capital, 22K gold is priced at Rs 12,285 per gram, while 24K gold is selling at Rs 13,401 per gram. 18K gold stands at Rs 10,054 per gram.

Gold rate in Mumbai today

Mumbai is seeing 22K gold at Rs 12,270 per gram, with 24K gold available at Rs 13,386 per gram. The price of 18K gold is Rs 10,039 per gram.

Gold rate in Bengaluru today

Bengaluru markets list 22K gold at Rs 12,270 per gram, whereas 24K gold is priced at Rs 13,386 per gram. 18K gold is selling at Rs 10,039 per gram.

Gold rate in Chennai today

Chennai continues to record among the highest figures, with 22K gold marked at Rs 12,350 per gram and 24K gold at Rs 13,473 per gram. The rate for 18K gold is Rs 10,300 per gram.

Gold rate in Kolkata today

In Kolkata, 22K gold is being sold at Rs 12,270 per gram, while 24K gold is available at Rs 13,386 per gram. 18K gold is quoted at Rs 10,039 per gram.

Gold rate in Hyderabad today

In Hyderabad, 22K gold is priced at Rs 12,270 per gram, and 24K gold at Rs 13,386 per gram. The 18K variant costs Rs 10,039 per gram.

Gold rate in Ahmedabad today

Ahmedabad buyers are paying Rs 12,275 per gram for 22K gold and Rs 13,391 per gram for 24K gold. Meanwhile, 18K gold is priced at Rs 10,044 per gram.

Gold rate in Jaipur today

Jaipur has 22K gold priced at Rs 12,285 per gram, with 24K gold tagged at Rs 13,401 per gram. The rate for 18K gold is Rs 10,054 per gram.

Gold rate in Bhubaneswar today

In Bhubaneswar, 22K gold stands at Rs 12,270 per gram, while 24K gold is quoted at Rs 13,386 per gram. 18K gold costs Rs 10,039 per gram.

Gold rate in Kanpur today

Kanpur’s market shows 22K gold at Rs 12,285 per gram, with 24K gold selling for Rs 13,401 per gram. The price of 18K gold is Rs 10,054 per gram.

Abhigyan Kundu’s historic double century in the Under-19 Asia Cup has set tongues wagging across the cricketing world, especially with the IPL 2026 auction taking place today, Tuesday, December 16. However, despite his record-shattering knock, the 17-year-old will not feature when franchises go under the hammer. Kundu created history in Dubai on Tuesday after smashing an unbeaten 209 against Malaysia, becoming the first Indian to score a double hundred in Youth ODIs and only the second player overall to reach the milestone. The wicketkeeper-batter, batting at number five, struck 19 fours and seven sixes in a 125-ball innings that powered India Under-19 to a towering 408 for seven.

The timing of the innings has naturally led to questions about his IPL prospects, but Kundu’s name is absent from the IPL 2026 auction list. As a result, franchises will not be able to bid for the teenage sensation during today’s auction. India’s Under-19 presence at the auction will instead be represented by a select group of players. All-rounders Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel have been listed with a base price of Rs. 30 lakh, along with bowler Naman Pushpak and batter Aaron George Varghese, who also carry the same base price. Kundu’s exclusion from the auction does little to take away from the magnitude of his achievement. His double century marked only the second such instance in Youth ODI history, following South Africa’s Jorich van Schalkwyk, who scored 215 against Zimbabwe earlier this year in Harare. The tournament has already witnessed other big scores, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 95-ball 171 against the UAE standing as the ninth-highest individual score in the format. For now, Kundu’s journey remains rooted in age-group cricket, even as the IPL spotlight shines elsewhere today. But after a knock of this scale, it is clear that his moment at the auction table is not a question of if, but when.

GURGAON: At least four people were killed and several others injured in a multi-vehicle pile-up on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway after dense fog reduced visibility on Monday morning.One major pile-up occurred near Raniyala Patakpur village, where more than 15 vehicles, including two trucks, crashed into each other due to poor visibility.

The deceased included CISF inspector Harish Kumar (38), a resident of Ambedkar Nagar in Alwar district of Rajasthan, who died on the spot. His body was sent to Mandi Kheda hospital for post-mortem examination.According to police, four to five others were injured in the collision and were taken to the same hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable.“The accident happened due to extremely low visibility caused by dense fog. Vehicles failed to see those ahead and rammed into each other,” a police officer said.Another man, identified as Khalil (45), a resident of Jaipur, also died after his car was involved in the same crash.Police teams reached the spot soon after the incident and cleared the damaged vehicles to restore traffic. Officials said traffic movement returned to normal after the clearance operation.In a separate incident near Banarsi village, seven to eight vehicles collided amid foggy conditions. No injuries were reported, though several vehicles were damaged.A third accident was reported from Ghaseda village on the Delhi–Alwar Road under the jurisdiction of Nuh Sadar police station, where a Haryana Roadways bus collided with a tractor. No casualties were reported, but both vehicles were damaged.Meanwhile, in Faridabad, a Ford Endeavour rammed into a stationary truck on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway near Kail village, killing two people. Police said the truck driver was not present when officers reached the spot. One of the deceased was identified as Sandeep Kumar, a resident of Jaipur, while the other has not yet been identified.Heavy fog blanketed the entire region on Monday morning, severely reducing visibility and disrupting traffic across several routes.At least two people were killed and several others injured after dense fog on Monday morning triggered a series of accidents on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.One major pile-up occurred near Raniyala Patakpur village, where more than 15 vehicles, including two trucks, crashed into each other due to poor visibility.The deceased included CISF inspector Harish Kumar (38), a resident of Ambedkar Nagar in Alwar district of Rajasthan, who died on the spot. His body was sent to Mandi Kheda hospital for post-mortem examination.Police said four to five others were injured in the collision and were taken to the same hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable.“The accident happened due to extremely low visibility caused by dense fog. Vehicles failed to see those ahead and rammed into each other,” a police officer said.Another man, identified as Khalil (45), a resident of Jaipur, also died after his car was involved in the same crash.Police teams reached the spot soon after the incident and cleared the damaged vehicles to restore traffic. Officials said traffic movement returned to normal after the clearance operation.In a separate incident near Banarsi village, seven to eight vehicles collided amid foggy conditions. No injuries were reported, though several vehicles were damaged.A third accident was reported from Ghaseda village on the Delhi–Alwar Road under the jurisdiction of Nuh Sadar police station, where a Haryana Roadways bus collided with a tractor. No casualties were reported, but both vehicles were damaged.Meanwhile, in Faridabad, a Ford Endeavour rammed into a stationary truck on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway near Kail village, killing two people. Police said the truck driver was not present when officers reached the spot. One of the deceased was identified as Sandeep Kumar, a resident of Jaipur, while the other has not yet been identified.Heavy fog blanketed the entire region on Monday morning, severely reducing visibility and disrupting traffic across several routes.

With the IPL 2026 auction fast approaching, anticipation is building around which player could dominate the bidding tables. According to AI-driven auction simulations, Cameron Green is emerging as the standout name likely to command the highest price, even in the wake of a new BCCI rule limiting overseas players’ salaries to INR 18 crore.

While the regulation caps how much foreign players can officially earn, AI projections suggest franchises may still push total bids beyond INR 20 crore in valuation terms, underlining just how highly Green is rated across the league.

Why AI models favour Cameron Green for IPL 2026?

AI analysis highlights Cameron Green’s unique all-round profile as the key driver behind his soaring valuation. The Australian international offers explosive batting at the top of the order, the ability to stabilise an innings when required, and genuine fast-bowling pace – an exceptional combination in modern T20 cricket.

Such versatility is increasingly scarce among overseas players, and AI models place a premium on cricketers who can influence games in multiple phases. Green’s adaptability, athleticism and proven success at the highest level make him a near-perfect fit for teams looking to maximise squad balance.

IPL 2026 Auction: KKR and CSK to lead the race 

The AI simulation predicts a high-stakes bidding war led by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), two franchises entering the auction with significant financial firepower.

KKR, armed with a massive INR 64.3 crore purse, are believed to be searching for a long-term solution to fill the void left by Andre Russell’s diminishing role. Green’s power-hitting and seam-bowling capabilities align closely with what KKR need to rebuild their core.

CSK, meanwhile, have INR 43.4 crore available and are keen to replace the all-round depth lost after Sam Curran’s departure. For the Chennai-based franchise, Green represents a player who fits both their tactical needs and long-term vision.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction – Broadcast, Live Streaming details | When and where to watch in India, Australia, UK & South Africa

Sunrisers Hyderabad could disrupt KKR and CSK’s auction plans

AI projections also factor in Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as a potential disruptor. With INR 25.5 crore in their auction purse, SRH may not have the deepest pockets but are expected to aggressively target impact players.

The presence of a third serious bidder significantly increases the likelihood of inflated prices, even under the new overseas salary restriction. Historically, such multi-team battles have driven franchises to stretch their limits for players deemed game-changers.

Also READ: Rahul Chahar reveals his all-time IPL XI, no place for Andre Russell and Sunil Narine