The 15th season of the Big Bash League (BBL) features a large, mixed panel of former cricketers, experienced broadcasters and studio hosts across English and Hindi coverage on Australian and Indian networks.
BBL|15: Experts and hosts on Australian TV
On Australian television, the expert group is built around former Australian greats and prominent analysts. They are complemented by specialist hosts and presenters who handle toss shows, post-match chats and features, while sideline reporters add real-time updates from the boundary. Different networks share broadcasting rights, so combinations of these personalities appear across Foxtel, Kayo Sports and 7plus’ dedicated coverage and the free-to-air partner’s telecast, giving viewers a mix of technical depth and entertainment.
Commentators:Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Aaron Finch, Brett Lee, Isa Guha, Mel Jones, Michael Hussey, Mark Waugh, Mark Howard, Kerry O’ Keeffe, Brad Haddin, Callum Ferguson, Damien Fleming, Greg Blewett, Brad Hodge, Brendon Julian, James Brayshaw, Andrew Maher, Jason Richardson, Alister Nicholson, Trent Copeland, Lisa Sthalekar, Allan Border, Jason Behrendorff, Katey Martin, Kirby Short, Elyse Villani.
Presenters: Mel McLaughlin, Megan Barnard, Theo Doropoulos, Holly Ferling, James Brayshaw, Emma Freedman, Alister Nicholson, Tim Lane, Alison Mitchell, Andy Maher, Jason Richardson.
For fans watching from India, the Hindi feed features its own commentary panel of ex‑India internationals and domestic stalwarts who call the action with a subcontinental flavour. This group typically combines tactical breakdown, humour and storytelling, helping make BBL|15 more accessible for viewers following from the IPL ecosystem. The Hindi team usually works from studio hubs with occasional on‑ground segments during marquee fixtures.
Hindi commentators: Aakash Chopra, Irfan Pathan, Ajay Jadeja, Vivek Razdan, Saba Karim, Nikhil Chopra, Anjum Chopra
Sachin Tendulkar and Lionel Messi created a historic sports crossover at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on December 14, 2025, during the Argentine star’s GOAT India Tour. The cricket legend gifted Messi his autographed No. 10 India jersey from the 2011 World Cup triumph at the same venue, while Messi reciprocated with a FIFA World Cup ball from Argentina‘s 2022 victory. Fans erupted in chants for both icons, blending cricket passion with football fervour in a rare moment.
Sachin Tendulkar and Lionel Messi share smiles and swap memorabilia at Wankhede
The exchange highlighted the shared No. 10 legacy of two global greats, drawing thunderous applause as the event host emphasized their common number. Tendulkar, who played his final international match at Wankhede, called Messi’s visit a “golden moment for Mumbai, Mumbaikars, and India,” linking it to India‘s 2011 World Cup glory where fan support fuelled dreams.
Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, shared smiles and a brief chat aided by his translator, captivating the packed stadium. These mutual memorabilia swap symbolized respect across sports, with Tendulkar later posting on social media that the day rated “10/10.”
Earlier, Messi interacted with fans, kicking balls into stands and joining exhibition matches, penalty shootouts, and a masterclass for young talents. Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri joined the spotlight, receiving a signed Argentina jersey from Messi in a heartfelt embrace that thrilled the crowd.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched Project Mahadeva alongside Messi, a statewide initiative to scout and train 60 under-13 footballers for future World Cups like 2034, boosting grassroots development. Bollywood stars and heavy security marked the high-profile evening, turning Wankhede—twice a Cricket World Cup site—into a unified celebration of athletic excellence. The GOAT Tour’s Mumbai leg, part of a four-city visit from December 13-15, left enduring memories for sports enthusiasts.
The opening day of Big Bash League (BBL|15) was overshadowed by a devastating mass shooting at Bondi Beach, leaving Australian cricket grappling with tragedy as the Sydney Sixers took the field thousands of kilometres away. What was meant to be a celebration of the new BBL season instead became a sobering reminder of events unfolding far beyond the boundary rope.
On Sunday evening, two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, in an attack authorities have described as terrorism. At least 16 people were killed, including one of the attackers, while more than 40 others were injured, among them police officers who rushed to the scene. Officials have labelled the incident Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in decades, sending shockwaves across the nation.
Sixers stand in Perth as tragedy unfolds in Sydney
Recognising the gravity of the situation, Cricket Australia made the rare decision to temporarily relax its strict anti-corruption protocols, allowing Sixers players to access their mobile phones before the match. The move enabled players and staff to contact family and friends in the Bondi area and confirm their safety as emergency services continued their response.
The Sixers later confirmed that no players or team members were directly affected, but the anxiety of waiting for updates weighed heavily on the group.
Charlie Stobo reflects on emotional challenge faced by Sixers players
Fast bowler Charlie Stobo spoke about the emotional strain faced by the squad as they attempted to compartmentalise the tragedy while still fulfilling their professional commitments.
“We are wishing everyone affected speedy recoveries and all the best,” Stobo said. “We had our phones locked away and we were allowed to use them to just sort of check in with family and friends. It’s all happened pretty quickly.”
The match itself was rain-affected, adding to the strange atmosphere as players competed under floodlights while their home city mourned. For the Sixers, maintaining focus proved difficult as updates filtered through throughout the evening.
Cricket Australia and England & Wales Cricket Board offer condolence to all those affected
Players, officials and fans across the competition expressed condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families.
“Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events at Bondi Beach yesterday evening.
All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time.
Our condolences go out to all those affected.
We stand with you,” wrote CA and ECB in their shared social-media post.
New Zealand have announced their squad for the third and final Test against West Indies, with two experienced campaigners making timely returns. The duo’s inclusion adds depth and balance to the side as the Black Caps look to clinch the series at home after taking a 1-0 lead. The decider will be played from December 18 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
Ajaz Patel returns after injury-enforced change
Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has been recalled to the Test squad, replacing fast bowler Blair Tickner, who has been ruled out after dislocating his shoulder during the recently concluded second Test. Tickner’s injury has forced the selectors into a change, and Patel’s return offers New Zealand a proven spin option heading into the final encounter.
Patel brings experience and control, especially valuable in longer formats where patience and consistency often dictate outcomes. His most recent Test appearance in November 2024 ended on a high, with the spinner earning Player of the Match honours for a decisive performance. With conditions at Mount Maunganui traditionally offering assistance later in the game, Patel will be hopeful of making a strong case for a place in the playing XI.
Tom Blundell back to bolster wicketkeeping unit
Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell has also been named in the squad after recovering from a hamstring tear sustained during the opening Test of the series. Blundell, New Zealand’s first-choice keeper in Tests, missed the second match as a precaution, paving the way for Mitch Hay to make his international debut.
Hay impressed with his composure behind the stumps, but with Blundell now fit, the experienced campaigner is set to resume duties. Hay will return to Canterbury to continue his domestic commitments, while Blundell’s comeback restores stability to the middle order and leadership behind the wickets.
Aside from the two changes, the rest of the squad remains unchanged from the side that delivered New Zealand a crucial win in the second Test. That victory handed the hosts a 1-0 advantage after the opening match ended in a gripping draw, keeping the series finely poised heading into the finale.
Captain Tom Latham continues to lead a balanced squad featuring a strong core of batters and all-rounders. Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra provide depth and flexibility with the bat, while Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell add multi-dimensional options. The pace department, led by Jacob Duffy and supported by Zak Foulkes and Michael Rae, remains intact. With the series on the line, New Zealand will be eager to maintain momentum and make full use of home conditions.
New Zealand squad for third Test:
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
Melbourne Renegades face Brisbane Heat in the second match of Big Bash League 2025-26 at Simonds Stadium, Geelong, on December 15. Both teams enter with strong squads blending international stars and domestic talent, setting up a competitive opener. Expect a tactical battle on a venue favouring pace bowling and moderate scores.
Will Sutherland leads a balanced Renegades side with Mohammad Rizwan anchoring at 134.69 strike rate this year and Tim Seifert adding firepower. Spin duo Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa, plus Jason Behrendorff‘s pace, bolster the attack, while Jake Fraser-McGurk promises explosive starts. They hold a 3-2 edge in the last five head-to-heads against Heat.
Usman Khawaja captains a Heat lineup reloaded after last season’s seventh-place finish, featuring Colin Munro‘s aggression and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s new-ball threat. Matt Renshaw (280 runs at 169.69 strike rate last BBL) and pace trio Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, plus spinner Matt Kuhnemann, provide depth. Renshaw and Munro target high-impact overs.
MR vs BH, BBL|15: Match details
Date and Time: December 15 (Monday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 4:15 pm Local
Venue: Simonds Stadium, Geelong
Head-to-Head Record in BBL: Matches played: 22 | Melbourne Renegades won: 14 | Brisbane Heat won: 08 | No result/Tied: 0
Simonds Stadium Pitch Report
Simonds Stadium in Geelong presents a pace-friendly surface for the Big Bash League 2025-26 opener between Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat. Historically hosting 13 BBL games, it favors chasing sides with 8 wins out of 12 completed matches, boasting an average first-innings score of around 130-150 under lights. The pitch offers true bounce early, assisting seamers who can exploit swing in evening conditions around 22-24°C with partial clouds. Spinners gain grip later, while boundaries flow at a 118.4 strike rate, enabling totals up to 170-180 if batters settle. Expect a tactical duel where death overs decide the chase.
Squads:
Melbourne Renegades: Will Sutherland (c), Tim Seifert, Adam Zampa, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Caleb Jewell, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Lyon, Hassan Khan, Ollie Peake, Mohammad Rizwan, Tom Rogers
Brisbane Heat:Usman Khawaja (c), Colin Munro, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tom Alsop, Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth, Spencer Johnson
Sanjay Bangar believes a CSK star player could emerge as the biggest bargain of the IPL 2026 auction, branding him the “steal” of the Abu Dhabi event on December 15. Despite his release from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the 22-year-old’s death-overs pedigree and early IPL impact have kept him firmly in the spotlight ahead of the mini auction.
Sanjay Bangar backs CSK star as auction’s hidden gem
In a rapid-fire segment on Star Sports, former India all-rounder and ex-Punjab Kings head coach Bangar singled out Matheesha Pathirana when asked to predict the biggest steal of the IPL 2026 auction. Bangar highlighted the Sri Lankan’s round-arm action, yorker accuracy and change-ups as rare skills that can tilt tight chases, stressing that such variety is difficult to find in a high-pressure, batter-dominated tournament.
Pathirana’s IPL numbers underline why he is being viewed as a value pick even after an inconsistent 2025 season. He was central to CSK’s 2023 title run, taking 19 wickets in 12 games at an average a shade under 20, operating almost exclusively at the death and often closing out games alongside MS Dhoni. Across his CSK stint, he finished with more than 40 wickets in just over 30 matches, reinforcing his reputation as a specialist closer despite phases of expensive spells.
CSK’s decision to release Pathirana ahead of the 2026 auction was influenced by fitness concerns and a dip in control, with the franchise management publicly acknowledging that injuries and technical tweaks in his release point had affected his rhythm. Yet several analysts believe this very release could depress his price just enough for a shrewd franchise to snap him up below marquee money, especially with teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants known to be in the market for a death-overs specialist. Bangar himself has hinted that LSG, who moved on from David Miller and are rebalancing their overseas mix, could treat Pathirana as a high-upside investment in the middle bracket.
Who crosses the ₹15 Cr mark? Who becomes the biggest steal deal of the auction? Dale Steyn and Sanjay Bangar break down the boldest predictions ahead of the big day! 🔥👀#TATAIPLAuction 👉🏻 TUE, DEC 16, 2 PM on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/HDzk4uTP8S
Dale Steyn also names cut-price pace weapons to ponder over in IPL 2026 auctions
Bangar is not the only former quick reading a bargain market for fast bowlers at this auction, with Dale Steyn also weighing in on potential steals. In the same Star Sports interaction, the former South Africa spearhead pointed to compatriots Gerald Coetzee and Anrich Nortje as players who could deliver returns well above their likely price tags. Coetzee has already shown glimpses of his value in the IPL with Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, claiming 15 wickets in 14 appearances at a strike rate that reflects his ability to strike in short, hostile bursts even if his economy remains a work in progress.
Nortje, meanwhile, brings a proven IPL body of work with 61 wickets from 48 outings for Delhi Capitals and KKR, built on high pace, hard lengths and powerplay breakthroughs. Injury interruptions and form dips have tempered his aura slightly, but franchises searching for an experienced enforcer who can bowl both with the new ball and at the death are expected to keep a close eye on his price band. With Bangar and Steyn both forecasting value in high-velocity quicks rather than just marquee all-rounders, the IPL 2026 auction narrative is rapidly tilting toward which franchise reads the fast-bowling market smartest rather than merely the loudest.
The IPL Auction 2026 will be held on 16 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi, and with the event just around the corner, here’s a complete breakdown of everything you need to know — the IPL 2026 auction date, time, rules, full players list, team purse, strategies, and live updates.
The cricketing world is eagerly waiting for yet another edition of the IPL auction. Unlike the last auction which was a mega one, the upcoming IPL auction 2026 will be a mini auction. However, the reduced scale has not dented the anticipation.
The fans across the globe are once again waiting for the IPL mini auction with the same energy and are gearing up to witness another round of intense bidding wars for some of the most sought-after cricketers in the world.
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Unlike the mega auction, the mini auction is used by the teams not as a rebuild but a correction window. Teams usually use the mini auction to fix what went wrong in the previous season or to further bolster their already settled squads. Time and again, the mini auction has sprung numerous surprises and the upcoming auction also promises to be an exciting one as players from around the world will be up for grabs.
IPL Auction 2026 date, time and venue:
The highly-awaited auction is scheduled to take place on 16 December 2025. The venue for the auction is Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
This will be the third year in a row that the IPL auction is being held outside India. In 2024, the auction was held in Dubai before the event took place in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah in 2025.
The auction this year will be a one-day affair and to be held on 16 December 2026, and is scheduled to start at 2:30 PM IST.
IPL Auction 2026 Schedule
IPL Auction 2026 date
December 16, 2025
Auction Type
Mini auction
Time
02:30 PM IST
Venue
Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
IPL Auction 2026 Rules Explained:
Maximum Squad Size Rules
Each IPL franchise is permitted to build a squad of up to 25 players, while the minimum number of players a team must maintain on its roster is 18.
Overseas Players Limit
While an IPL team is allowed to have as many as 25 players on its roster, it can only have a maximum of 8 overseas players.
Parameter
Limit
Maximum players in an IPL squad
25
Minimum players in an IPL squad
18
Maximum overseas players in an IPL squad
8
Right To Match (RTM) Rule – Is It Available in IPL auction 2026?
The Right To Match (RTM) card has been traditionally used in mega auctions and it is not to be used in the upcoming mini auction.
Unsold Players Rule and accelerated rounds:
If a player goes unsold in the auction, he can still find a buyer in the accelerated rounds that happens towards the end of the event. The accelerated phase takes place based on the number of slots remaining and the purse left.
Before the accelerated phase, all the 10 teams will submit a list of the remaining players. After the names are submitted, those players will be introduced into the auction for the accelerated round for bidding. Players who have not been shortlisted will not go under the hammer.
Injury Replacement Rules Post-Auction:
According to the present rules, the IPL teams can sign a replacement player until their 12th league match. Earlier, the teams were only allowed to do it until their 7th league match.
A team can replace a player only if he suffers a season-ending injury or illness.
The replacement player must already be listed in the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) for that season.
IPL Auction 2026 Purse – Team-wise Budget
Team-Wise Remaining Purse Before Auction
Each IPL franchise started with an INR 125 crore purse, but after trades and releases, their remaining budgets now vary. Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders have the largest remaining purse, INR 64.3 crore. On the other hand, five-time champions Mumbai Indians have the smallest purse, INR 2.75 crore.
Here is a list showing the remaining purse of each IPL team ahead of the auction:
IPL Auction 2026 Players List & Shortlisted Cricketers:
Total Players Registered & Shortlisted for IPL Auction 2026
Before the auction, the 10 IPL franchises retained a total of 173 players, including 49 overseas players. 77 players (31 overseas players) will be up for grabs in the auction.
For the upcoming auction, 1355 players had registered their names. According to Cricbuzz, the list contained 1,062 Indians and 293 overseas players. However, only 350 players will be going under the hammer in the auction, stated IPL as it announced the final list. Out of those 350 players, 240 are Indian and 110 from overseas.
Country-wise Player Distribution
Country
Number of players shortlisted
India
240
England
21
Australia
19
South Africa
15
West Indies
9
Sri Lanka
12
New Zealand
16
Afghanistan
10
Here is the list showing all the 350 players shortlisted for IPL auction 2026:
SET 1 — BA1 (Capped Batters)
Devon Conway
Jake Fraser-McGurk
Cameron Green
Sarfaraz Khan
David Miller
Prithvi Shaw
SET 2 — AL1 (Capped allrounders)
Gus Atkinson
Wanindu Hasaranga
Deepak Hooda
Venkatesh Iyer
Liam Livingstone
Wiaan Mulder
Rachin Ravindra
SET 3 — WK1 (Capped Wicketkeepers)
Finn Allen
Jonny Bairstow
KS Bharat
Quinton de Kock
Ben Duckett
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Jamie Smith
SET 4 — FA1 (Capped Fast Bowlers)
Gerald Coetzee
Akash Deep
Jacob Duffy
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Matt Henry
Spencer Johnson
Shivam Mavi
Anrich Nortje
Matheesha Pathirana
SET 5 — SP1 (Capped Spinners)
Ravi Bishnoi
Rahul Chahar
Akeal Hosein
Mujeeb Rahman
Maheesh Theekshana
SET 6 — UBA1 (Uncapped Batters)
Aarya Desai
Yash Dhull
Abhinav Manohar
Anmolpreet Singh
Atharva Taide
Abhinav Tejrana
SET 7 — UAL1 (Uncapped allrounders)
Auqib Dar
Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Tanush Kotian
Shivang Kumar
Mahipal Lomror
Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Vijay Shankar
Sanvir Singh
Edhen Tom
Prashant Veer
SET 8 — UWK1 (Uncapped Wicketkeepers)
Ruchit Ahir
Vansh Bedi
Mukul Choudhary
Tushar Raheja
Kartik Sharma
Tejasvi Singh
SET 9 — UFA1 (Uncapped Fast Bowlers)
Raj Limbani
Akash Madhwal
Sushant Mishra
Ashok Sharma
Simarjeet Singh
Naman Tiwari
Kartik Tyagi
SET 10 — USP1 (Uncapped Spin Bowlers)
Yash Raj Punja
Vignesh Puthur
Karn Sharma
Shivam Shukla
Kumar Kartikeya
Prashant Solanki
Wahidullah Zadran
SET 11 — BA2 (Capped Batters)
Mayank Agarwal
Sediqullah Atal
Ackeem Auguste
Reeza Hendricks
Pathum Nissanka
Tim Robinson
Steve Smith
Rahul Tripathi
SET 12 — AL2 (Capped allrounders)
Sean Abbott
Michael Bracewell
Ben Dwarshuis
Zak Foulkes
Jason Holder
Daryl Mitchell
Daniel Sams
Dasun Shanaka
Matthew Short
SET 13 — WK2 (Capped Wicketkeepers)
Tom Banton
Jordan Cox
Shai Hope
Josh Inglis
Ben McDermott
Kusal Mendis
Kusal Perera
Tim Seifert
SET 14 — FA2 (Capped Fast Bowlers)
Kyle Jamieson
Saqib Mahmood
Adam Milne
Lungi Ngidi
William O’Rourke
Mustafizur Rahman
Chetan Sakariya
Kuldeep Sen
Umesh Yadav
SET 15 — SP2 (Capped Spinners)
Qais Ahmad
Rishad Hossain
Waqar Salamkheil
Viyaskanth Vijayakanth
SET 16 — UBA2
Ankit Kumar
Rohan Kunnummal
Danish Malewar
Pukhraj Mann
Salman Nizar
Aman Rao Perala
Akshat Raghuwanshi
Manan Vohra
SET 17 — UAL2
Yuvraj Chaudhary
Satvik Deswal
Aman Khan
Darshan Nalkande
Vicky Ostwal
Sairaj Patil
Suyash Prabhudessai
Mayank Rawat
Harsh Tyagi
Mangesh Yadav
SET 18 — UWK2
Salil Arora
Ricky Bhui
Rahul Buddhi
Saurav Chauhan
Yashvardhan Dalal
Abhishek Pathak
Kunal Rathore
Ravi Singh
SET 19 — UFA2
KM Asif
Sakib Hussain
Mohammad Izhar
Vidwath Kaverappa
Vijay Kumar
Vidyadhar Patil
PV Satyanarayana Raju
Onkar Tarmale
Prithviraj Yarra
SET 20 — USP2
Shubham Agrawal
Murugan Ashwin
Tejas Baroka
KC Cariappa
Kartik Chadha
Pravin Dubey
Mohit Rathee
Himanshu Sharma
Bailapudi Yeswanth
SET 21 — AL3
Rehan Ahmed
Cooper Connolly
Tom Curran
Bevon-John Jacobs
Daniel Lawrence
George Linde
Gulbadin Naib
William Sutherland
Beau Webster
SET 22 — FA3
Taskin Ahmed
Richard Gleeson
Alzarri Joseph
Shamar Joseph
Riley Meredith
Jhye Richardson
Navdeep Saini
Naveen-ul-Haq
Luke Wood
SET 23 — UBA3
Kunal Chandela
Ayush Doseja
Qamran Iqbal
Dheeraj Kumar
Bhanu Pania
Sahil Parakh
Arsh Kabir Ranga
Adarsh Singh
SET 24 — UAL3
Manoj Bhandage
Mayank Dagar
Raghav Goyal
Manvanth Kumar
Abid Mushtaq
Jalaj Saxena
Atit Sheth
Hritik Shokeen
Jagadeesha Suchith
Tanay Thyagarajann
SET 25 — UWK3
Joe Clarke
Connor Esterhuizen
Ajitesh Guruswamy
Siddharth Joon
Tom Moores
Bipin Saurabh
Vishnu Solanki
Hardik Tamore
SET 26 — UFA3
Sayan Ghosh
Money Grewal
Arpit Guleria
Sunil Kumar
Tristan Luus
Divesh Sharma
Abhilash Shetty
Irfan Umair
Kuldip Yadav
SET 27 — USP3
Manan Bhardwaj
Shreyas Chavan
Parikshit Dhanak
Chintal Gandhi
Dharmendrasinh Jadeja
Amit Kumar
Vishal Nishad
Saumy Pandey
Jhathavedh Subramanyan
SET 28 — AL4
Muhammad Abbas
Charith Asalanka
Roston Chase
Liam Dawson
George Garton
Kyle Mayers
Dwaine Pretorius
Nathan Smith
Dunith Wellalage
SET 29 — FA4
Jason Behrendorff
Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Matthew Potts
Nahid Rana
Olly Stone
Josh Tongue
Sandeep Warrier
SET 30 — UBA4
Sachin Dhas
Miles Hammond
Ahammed Imran
Vishvarajsinh Jadeja
Ayaz Khan
Daniel Lategan
Siddhant Rana
Aaron Varghese
SET 31 — UAL4
Atharva Ankolekar
Abdul Bazith
Karan Lal
Shams Mulani
Ripal Patel
Prince Rai
Vivrant Sharma
Utkarsh Singh
Ayush Vartak
Sanjay Yadav
SET 32 — UFA4
Sayed Irfan Aftab
Esakkimuthu Ayyakutti
Praful Hinge
Pankaj Jaswal
Kulwant Khejroliya
Ravi Kumar
Rajan Kumar
Safvan Patel
Ishan Porel
SET 33 — USP4
Purav Agarwal
Jikku Bright
Yash Dicholkar
Arab Gul
Rakibul Hasan
Traveen Mathew
Naman Pushpak
Izaz Sawariya
Roshan Wagshare
SET 34 — FA5
Wesley Agar
Binura Fernando
Shoriful Islam
Joshua Little
Obed McCoy
Billy Stanlake
SET 35 — UAL5
RS Ambrish
Nikhil Chaudhary
Krains Fuletra
Macneil Noronha
R Rajkumar
Ninad Rathva
Sunny Sandhu
Shivalik Sharma
Siddharth Yadav
R Sonu Yadav
SET 36 — UFA5
Waseem Khanday
Atif Mushtaq
Atal Rai
C. Rakshann Readdi
Manish Reddy
Nishanth Saranu
Deependra Singh
Rajat Verma
Rohit Yadav
SET 37 — UAL6
Emanjot Chahal
Shubhang Hegde
Bal Krishna
Vihaan Malhotra
Khilan Patel
Delano Potgieter
Hardik Raj
Sarthak Ranjan
Parth Rekhade
Tiaan van Vuuren
SET 38 — UFA6
Shreevatsha Acharya
Sadek Hussain
Shubham Kapse
Aaqib Khan
Sabir Khan
Bayanda Majola
Srihari Nair
Brijesh Sharma
Aman Shekhawat
SET 39 — UAL7
Himanshu Bisht
Shreyan Chakraborty
Kanishk Chouhan
Mayank Gusain
Akash Pugazhanthi
Abhimanyusingh Rajput
Shubham Rana
Arpit Rana
Maramreddy Reddy
Sagar Solanki
SET 40 — UAL8
Aryaman Singh Dhaliwal
Daksh Kamra
Vishal Mandwal
Arfaz Mohammad
Hemang Patel
Mridul Surroch
Anuj Thakral
Parth Vats
Lalit Yadav
Nitin Sai Yadav
SET 41 — UAL9
Krish Bhagat
Prerit Dutta
Sammar Gajjar
Nasir Lone
Ishan Mulchandani
Akhil Scaria
Muhammed Sharafuddeen
Ajay Singh
Ritik Tada
Luckyrajsinh Vaghela
SET 42 — UAL10
Mohamed Ali
Madhav Bajaj
Akshu Bajwa
Varun Raj Singh Bisht
Rishabh Chauhan
Jack Edwards
Dian Forrester
Dhurmil Matkar
Shiva Singh
Parikshit Valsangkar
IPL Auction 2026 – Team-wise Strategy
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Auction Strategy
CSK will be eyeing a world-class allrounder after releasing the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
With more than INR 43 crore available, the five-time IPL champions are expected to go big for the likes of Liam Livingstone or Cameron Green.
CSK will also be looking to bolster their pace attack after releasing Matheesha Pathirana.
Mumbai Indians (MI) Auction Strategy
Mumbai Indians seem to have all the bases covered in their squad.
For the upcoming auction, they only have INR 2.75 crore in their purse and they are likely to have a quiet outing in the auction.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Strategy
The defending champions will be keen to further bolster their squad as they look to retain their title.
With Josh Hazlewood injury prone and Yash Dayal yet to play a competitive match since IPL 2025, RCB will be eyeing a quality pacer.
They will also look to sign a pinch hitter in the middle-order after releasing Liam Livingstone.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Strategy
KKR are set to have a very busy day in the auction and they have the purse to bolster their squad.
They will be eyeing a quality wicketkeeper-batter after releasing Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
They will also be seeking a hard-hitting allrounder after releasing the likes of Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Strategy
Rajasthan Royals will look to bolster their spin attack after releasing the likes of Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga and Kartikeya.
Delhi Capitals (DC) Strategy
Delhi Capitals will be seeking reinforcement in their top-order after releasing the likes of Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis and Shai Hope.
With only three overseas players in their squad, the Capitals will also be eyeing more overseas players.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Strategy
SRH will be needing an Indian pacer after releasing Mohammed Shami.
They will also be keen on signing a spinner after parting ways with the likes of Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Strategy
PBKS have retained their core squad and their team looks quite settled.
With only 11.5 crore left in their purse, they are likely to have a quiet outing in this year’s auction.
Gujarat Titans (GT) Strategy
Gujarat Titans have a settled top-order and they will be keen on signing a quality finisher especially after releasing Sherfane Rutherford.
They will also be looking to bag a quality allrounder.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Strategy
LSG have released the likes of David Miller and Ravi Bishnoi and will be needing quality replacement for those players.
IPL Auction 2026 Live Streaming & Telecast Details:
The IPL 2026 auction will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network in India and the live streaming will be available on JioStar.
IPL Auction 2026 Records & Stats:
Year-wise costliest players in IPL:
Over the years, allrounders and fast bowlers have dominated the auction. Here’s a look at the most expensive buys from 2008 to 2025.
Year
Player
Price (in INR)
2008
MS Dhoni (CSK)
9.5 crore
2009
Kevin Pietersen (RCB), Andrew Flintoff (CSK)
9.8 crore
2010
Shane Bond (KKR), Kieron Pollard (MI)
4.8 crore
2011
Gautam Gambhir (KKR)
14.9 crore
2012
Ravindra Jadeja (CSK)
12.8 crore
2013
Glenn Maxwell (MI)
6.3 crore
2014
Yuvraj Singh (RCB)
14 crore
2015
Yuvraj Singh (DD)
16 crore
2016
Shane Watson (RCB)
9.5 crore
2017
Ben Stokes (RPS)
14.5 crore
2018
Ben Stokes (RR)
12.5 crore
2019
Jaydev Unadkat (RR), Varun Chakravarthy (KXIP)
8.4 crore
2020
Pat Cummins (KKR)
15.5 crore
2021
Chris Morris (RR)
16.25 crore
2022
Ishan Kishan (MI)
15.25 crore
2023
Sam Curran (PBKS)
18.5 crore
2024
Mitchell Starc (KKR)
24.75 crore
2025
Rishab Pant (LSG)
27 crore
IPL Auction 2026 – Prediction: Who Can Be The Costliest Buy
Which player can become the costliest buy in the upcoming IPL auction 2026?
Allrounders have always been in high demand in the IPL auction. In the upcoming auction, a number of quality allrounders will be up for grabs. One of the most sought-after names is Australia’s Cameron Green. While he has registered himself as a batsman, he is more than a handy pacer. Speculations are rife that Green is likely to be costliest player in this year’s auction.
This page will be updated in real time during IPL Auction 2026 with sold players list, unsold players, and final squad details for all 10 teams.
IPL Auction 2026 – Team-wise retained and released players:
Anuj Rawat, Glenn Phillips, Gurnoor Brar, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, Kumar Kushagra, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Arshad Khan, Nishant Sindhu, Prasidh Krishna, R Sai Kishore, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, B Sai Sudharsan, M Shahrukh Khan, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar
Slots remaining: 5 (4 overseas)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Players released:
Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia, Moeen Ali, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Spencer Johnson, Venkatesh Iyer
Aryan Juyal, David Miller, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Ravi Bishnoi, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Shamar Joseph
Players retained:
Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram, Akash Singh, Arjun Tendulkar, Arshin Kulkarni, Avesh Khan, Ayush Badoni, Digvesh Rathi, Himmat Singh, Manimaran Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke, Mayank Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mitchell Marsh, Mohsin Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Prince Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shahbaz Ahmed
Mumbai Indians enter the IPL 2026 auction with a lean purse of ₹2.75 crore and five slots to fill, including one overseas spot, after retaining a strong core led by Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. Scheduled for December 16 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, the event features over 1,300 registered players vying for 77 spots across franchises. MI’s strategy focuses on targeted reinforcements in finishing power and bowling depth to bolster their title push.
5 players that Mumbai Indians (MI) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
Mumbai could strategically bid for these five players to address key gaps in their squad, blending experience, domestic promise, and T20 expertise.
David Miller
The South African powerhouse offers middle-order firepower with a proven IPL strike rate above 139 across 132 matches, including 136 sixes and sharp fielding. Released by Lucknow Super Giants after a 2025 season of 153 runs in 11 games, his death-overs finishing suits MI’s aggressive batting needs at a potential base price under ₹2 crore.
KM Asif
This Indian pacer brings raw T20 wicket-taking ability, claiming 40 scalps in 36 outings at an economy of 8.32, with a best of 3/15. Listed at a modest ₹40 lakh base price for the auction, Asif represents cost-effective pace depth for MI’s depleted overseas-limited attack.
A familiar face for MI fans, the Roorkee speedster exploded in 2023 with 14 wickets, including a record 5/5 against Lucknow Super Giants. Released by Rajasthan Royalsafter form dips, his powerplay and death-over skills make him an affordable uncapped buyback at around ₹30 lakh to reclaim his MI role.
Nathan Ellis
Australia’s death-over specialist impressed with CSK in 2025 at ₹2 crore, taking wickets every 17.5 balls in IPL with sharp yorkers on slower decks. If available post-retention shifts, his variations fill MI’s overseas pace void perfectly, though bidding wars loom given his T20 pedigree across 11 IPL games.
Vignesh Puthur
The young Kerala left-arm wrist-spinner debuted brightly for MI in 2025, snaring 3/32 against CSK despite limited prior T20 exposure. Released in squad tweaks, his mystery spin at a low base price offers high-upside domestic rotation, aligning with MI’s youth investment ethos.
The uncapped wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, Kartik Sharma, has become one of the most talked-about domestic talents heading into the IPL 2026 auction on December 16th.
The 19-year-old, known for his explosive power-hitting, has successfully completed trials for numerous top franchises, capitalizing on his strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT)and recent First-Class centuries. Ahead of the auction, Sharma openly discussed the intense trial process, revealing which high-profile teams showed interest and offering insight into his interactions with coaches and mentors. Most notably, he did not hesitate to declare his long-time favorite franchise, while also sharing an encouraging exchange with one of the league’s biggest names.
The interest surrounding Kartik Sharma, who has set his base price at a modest ₹30 lakh, has been intense, leading to him being invited for trials by over half the franchises in the league. This flurry of invitations underscores the high demand for young, dual-skilled domestic talent, especially wicketkeeper-batters, in the IPL.
Kartik appeared in an interview for Game Changer YT Channel where he confirmed that he spent considerable time demonstrating his skills to both the coaching staff and recruitment teams of several major franchises, indicating a serious level of interest from teams looking to secure uncapped players with high potential. Kartik provided a full list of the teams that invited him, stating:
“I’ve attended trials for six to seven franchises so far. Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Chennai, RCB, RR, Delhi. My practice matches in Chennai have gone well. Mahi Bhaiya didn’t come. But the other staff were there and said that they had enjoyed my batting.”
This extensive list, including auction heavyweights like CSK, MI, and the defending champions RCB, showcases the level of attention he has garnered. His recent strong domestic form, including scoring 133 runs at a strike rate of 160.24 in the SMAT and smashing two First-Class centuries (120 vs Delhi and 139 vs Mumbai), has cemented his status as a key target in the uncapped set of players (Set 8).
Kartik’s favourite IPL Team ahead of 2026 mini-auction
In a major revelation, Kartik disclosed his favorite team, which is particularly relevant given the upcoming auction. The young star openly expressed his deep admiration for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the franchise that secured their maiden title in 2025. This preference could subtly influence the bidding dynamic, should RCB enter the fray to acquire him. Furthermore, Kartik shared a valuable mentorship experience he gained during the trial process, receiving direct advice from the veteran wicketkeeper-batter and RCB mentor, Dinesh Karthik. This interaction highlighted the specific aspects of his game that franchises are keen to develop.
Kartik was open about his franchise loyalty and the encouraging advice he received:
“My favorite franchise is RCB & I got a message from DK Sir… DK bhaiya spoke to me during the trials. He said that I’ve been batting well and advised me to focus more on keeping.”
The advice to focus on keeping is highly strategic, as his primary role in the IPL will be to provide a reliable wicketkeeping option alongside his proven batting talent. Kartik’s success against major domestic teams, coupled with the explicit interest from teams like RCB and the positive feedback from CSK staff, strongly suggests that his name, listed with a base price of ₹30 lakh, will quickly become one of the most aggressively bid-upon in the uncapped category of the IPL 2026 auction.
Perth Scorchers kicked off Big Bash League (BBL|15) with a thrilling five-wicket victory over Sydney Sixers in the rain-affected opener at Optus Stadium, Perth on December 14, 2025. The match shrank to 11 overs per side after early downpours, setting the stage for high-octane T20 drama. Fans erupted as young gun Cooper Connolly‘s blistering 59 off 31 balls sealed the chase, earning him Player of the Match honours in a run-fest that showcased BBL fireworks.
Sydney Sixers’ struggle culminate into a competitive total
Heavy rain delayed the start, reducing the game to 11 overs and setting a high run-rate challenge. Sydney Sixers openers Daniel Hughes fell for a duck to Aaron Hardie in the first over, followed by Babar Azam edging Brody Couch for 2, leaving them at 15/2 after the powerplay.
Josh Philippe fought back with 28 off 18, including a six, but a run-out ended Moises Henriques’ brisk 9, and Philippe holed out soon after. Lachlan Shaw‘s explosive 19 off 10 fueled a 50-run stand by the seventh over, but Joel Paris dismissed him, triggering a collapse. Jack Edwards then unleashed 46 off 21 with six fours and two sixes, pushing Sixers to 113/5 alongside Ben Dwarshuis‘ quick 6; they crossed 100 in the final overs despite tight bowling from Couch (2/12) and Paris (1/29).
Cooper Connolly’s fireworks take Perth Scorchers to a win in BBL|15 opener
Perth Scorchers lost Mitchell Marsh for a golden duck to Charlie Stobo, but Finn Allen‘s 16 off 8 set the tone before Todd Murphy struck. Enter Connolly, who anchored the chase with a masterful 59 (3 fours, 5 sixes), reaching 50 off 24 balls and racing to 39/2 by the fourth over.
Hardie added 13 before Jack Edwards removed him, but Connolly-Ashton Turner partnership propelled Scorchers past 100 in the ninth over. Connolly departed at 105/4 to Ben Dwarshuis, who later nabbed Laurie Evans, yet Turner (16*) and Nick Hobson steered home with five balls left at 117/5. Fans erupted as Connolly earned Player of the Match, his strike rate of 190.32 proving decisive in the power surge phase. Scorchers’ bowlers and Connolly’s heroics underline their BBL pedigree.
🚨 LSG & GT are interested in acquiring Cooper Connolly. [ESPN]@ChennaiIPL pls think about the future. We bottled Bethell, so pls don’t bottle Connolly. 🙏💛 pic.twitter.com/EMW9ajiy1u
Cooper Connolly smashed 59 runs in just 31 balls for Perth in the first game of the BBL.
He has also registered for the IPL auction with a 2 CR base price. He is just 22 years old. He also played well against India and South Africa in the ODI series 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RPllR3AuNw
Both Jack Edwards (Base Price : 50 Lacs) and Cooper Connolly (Base Price 2 Crores) Performed Couple of Days Before IPL 2026 Auction 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GbGrRglDg3
