IPL Auction Shocker: Cameron Green Tops ₹2 Crore List

By Harshit - Dec 02, 2025 06:02 PM
Last updated on Dec 02, 2025 06:02 PM

The upcoming IPL 2026 auction has generated massive anticipation as franchises prepare to submit their shortlists ahead of the decisive auction day in Abu Dhabi. With more than a thousand players registering and only limited slots available, every team is under pressure to identify the perfect mix of experience, emerging talent and overseas match-winners.

This year’s spotlight is firmly on the elite group of 45 cricketers who have entered the auction with the highest base price of ₹2 crore. The list features a blend of explosive all-rounders, specialist bowlers, dynamic batters and high-impact overseas stars. As teams rebuild and refine strategies, the race for top-tier players is expected to dominate headlines through December.

Franchises have been granted time until December 5 to finalise and submit their wishlists, following which the IPL will trim the 1,355-player registration pool into a compact shortlist. The December 16 day-long auction promises intense bidding, strategic shocks and career-defining moments for Indian and overseas players alike.

Massive Registration Numbers Ahead of the 2026 IPL Auction

A total of 1,355 cricketers have officially registered for the IPL 2026 auction. With just 77 squad slots available across ten franchises, the competition for entry is fiercer than ever. Of these vacancies, 31 are reserved for overseas players, making the battle among international stars even more competitive.

Each franchise is allowed to assemble a maximum squad of 25 players. Teams will scrutinize the registration list to create well-balanced squads that strengthen both batting depth and bowling versatility. Specialists in key positions—finishers, top-order anchors, death-overs bowlers and wrist-spinners—are expected to be in particularly high demand.

The IPL will soon shortlist players based on the wishlists submitted by teams. This process ensures franchises shape the pool according to their tactical requirements and budget strategies before entering the high-stakes auction floor.

Cameron Green Leads the ₹2 Crore Base-Price Group

Among the top-tier players, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green stands out as the most sought-after name. Returning after skipping the 2025 mega-auction due to injury, Green brings rare all-round potential—top-order batting power, seam bowling and elite fielding. His versatility makes him valuable across match phases.

Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, both entering the auction with strong purses, are expected to show serious interest. They have the financial muscle and structural gaps that fit Green’s profile perfectly. With Andre Russell’s retirement and multiple overseas slots open, KKR could be among the most aggressive bidders.

Green’s comeback also coincides with a year where franchises have released several all-rounders, increasing the premium on multifaceted cricketers. As a result, the Australian star’s presence in the highest price bracket signals a potential bidding war.

Indian and Overseas Stars Fill the Top Price Bracket

A host of prominent Indian players have also entered the upcoming auction with the highest base price. Ravi Bishnoi and Venkatesh Iyer headline this group after being released by their respective franchises. Their experience, match-winning capability and proven IPL track record position them as likely contenders for strong bids.

Overseas names in the ₹2 crore category include Liam Livingstone, Matheesha Pathirana, Steve Smith, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Daryll Mitchell and Alzarri Joseph. These players offer global T20 expertise, high-impact roles and adaptability in pressure situations. Their presence ensures the auction will witness multiple strategic battles among franchises.

Many of these cricketers were released for strategic budget resets, injury issues or team restructuring plans. Their re-entry into the auction brings renewed opportunities to reconnect with former teams or find fresh roles elsewhere.

CSK and KKR Enter Auction With Major Spending Power

Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders possess two of the largest remaining purses heading into the auction. With ₹43.4 crore and ₹64.3 crore respectively, these powerhouses have the flexibility to make bold moves. CSK’s search for overseas reinforcements and KKR’s requirement for all-rounders fuel expectations of aggressive bidding.

KKR, having released nine players including Venkatesh Iyer, now has 12 open slots. They must rebuild their middle order and overseas contingent while retaining a structure around their key match-winners. CSK, the five-time champions, also have multiple overseas slots available and are expected to target death bowlers, finishers and backup spinners.

Both franchises have a history of altering the auction dynamics by pushing prices, creating momentum and forcing other teams into rapid tactical adjustments. Their financial strength makes them central figures in the 2026 bidding theatre.

Players Released but Returning at Premium Base Price

Several high-profile releases have re-entered the auction at the ₹2 crore tier. Matheesha Pathirana, once a CSK death-overs specialist, is among the most surprising entries. Despite his injury struggles in the last season, his proven impact makes him a frontline choice for teams hungry for pace at the death.

England’s Liam Livingstone, known for his explosive hitting and part-time spin, also re-enters the pool after an underwhelming season. His unpredictable yet game-changing nature ensures he remains a valuable commodity in franchise cricket.

Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi bring the added advantage of domestic flexibility. Their inclusion in the top bracket suggests confidence in their ability to deliver under high-pressure conditions.

Glenn Maxwell Missing; Other Notable Auction Surprises

One of the biggest shocks is the absence of Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell from the long list. At 37 and recovering from a finger fracture, his no-show suggests a strategic pause in his IPL career. Punjab Kings, who recruited him last year, have already moved on by retaining Mitchell Owen.

Another unexpected development is the return of wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis. Despite an influential IPL 2025 season, Inglis will only be available for 25% of IPL 2026 due to personal commitments. His limited availability will likely shape his auction value and franchise fit.

Such surprises add intrigue to the auction, highlighting player-choice dynamics, fitness considerations and evolving franchise strategies as teams gear up for the new season.

The Complete List of ₹2 Crore Base-Price Players

Below is the group of elite cricketers who have entered the auction at the highest base price:

• Ravi Bishnoi
• Venkatesh Iyer
• Mujeeb ur Rahman
• Naveen ul Haq
• Sean Abott
• Ashton Agar
• Cooper Connolly
• Jake Fraser-McGurk
• Cameron Green
• Josh Inglis
• Steve Smith
• Mustafizur Rahman
• Gus Atkinson
• Tom Banton
• Tom Curran
• Liam Dawson
• Ben Duckett
• Dan Lawrence
• Liam Livingstone
• Tymal Mills
• Jamie Smith
• Finn Allen
• Michael Bracewell
• Devon Conway
• Jacob Duffy
• Matt Henry
• Kyle Jamieson
• Adam Milne
• Daryll Mitchell
• Will O’Rourke
• Rachin Ravindra
• Gerald Coetzee
• David Miller
• Lungi Ngidi
• Anrich Nortje
• Rilee Roussouw
• Tabraiz Shamsi
• David Wiese
• Wanindu Hasaraga
• Matheesha Pathirana
• Maheesh Theekshana
• Jason Holder
• Shai Hope
• Akeal Hosein
• Alzarri Joseph

The Road Ahead Toward the Abu Dhabi Auction

With all eyes set on the December 16 showdown, teams are now deep in evaluation mode. The mix of high-value Indian talent, impactful overseas stars and surprise entries has set the stage for one of the most unpredictable auctions in recent years.

Franchises must now balance budgets, address role-specific requirements and outpace rival teams in identifying undervalued assets. The top-tier ₹2 crore players will likely trigger intense bidding wars, reshaping team compositions and influencing strategies for the 2026 IPL season.

As anticipation builds, the auction promises strategic depth, competitive drama and high-stakes decisions that will define the league’s next chapter. The countdown to Abu Dhabi has begun, and the cricketing world is watching every move.

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