With franchises preparing for the IPL 2027 retention decisions, several overseas players could come under scrutiny after failing to consistently justify
their financial value during the 2026 season.
As the IPL franchises submit their retention list on November 15, there can be a few big overseas names who may not be part of that list. Here are five overseas players whose futures could become talking points ahead of IPL 2027, as teams may well tend to discard them to have a larger purse in the mini auction.
Cameron Green - Kolkata Knight Riders (₹25.20 crore)
Green was the headline signing of the IPL 2026 auction, with KKR spending ₹25.20 crore to secure the Australian all-rounder. The investment reflected expectations that he would strengthen both the middle order and the bowling attack.
However, a high price brings enormous expectations. If Green fails to deliver consistent contributions with both bat and ball, KKR could reassess whether retaining him represents the best use of their resources.
His age, power-hitting ability and all-round potential remain significant advantages. Consequently, a release would be a financial and tactical decision rather than an automatic response to an inconsistent campaign.
Matheesha Pathirana - Kolkata Knight Riders (₹18 crore)
KKR paid ₹18 crore for Pathirana, hoping his unusual action and yorker ability would make him a reliable death-overs specialist.
Availability and consistency are crucial for a bowler commanding that amount. If injuries or expensive spells restrict his contribution, the franchise could consider alternative pace-bowling options before the next auction.
Nevertheless, Pathirana's proven T20 potential means KKR would need to weigh the replacement cost carefully before making a decision.
Liam Livingstone - Sunrisers Hyderabad (₹13 crore)
Livingstone arrived at SRH for ₹13 crore, bringing expectations of explosive middle-order batting and useful spin bowling.
His limited early-season returns raised questions about his role and consistency. However, a small number of appearances cannot provide a complete assessment of his season.
SRH could reconsider their overseas combination if they believe another batter or all-rounder would offer greater reliability. Livingstone's ability to change a match in a few overs, however, remains an argument in his favour.
Trent Boult - Mumbai Indians (₹12.50 crore)
Boult was retained by Mumbai Indians, with his listed IPL 2026 contract value standing at ₹12.50 crore. He was not a new purchase at the 2026 auction.
The New Zealand left-arm seamer's new-ball experience makes him a valuable asset, but Mumbai must consider whether his recent output justifies retaining him at that value.
If the franchise decides to refresh its pace attack, Boult could be among the names discussed. His experience and powerplay wicket-taking ability, however, make a release far from inevitable.
Shimron Hetmyer - Rajasthan Royals (₹11 crore)
Hetmyer was another retained player, with a listed IPL 2026 contract value of ₹11 crore. The West Indies batter has traditionally offered Rajasthan a powerful finishing option. If his 2026 output falls short of expectations, Rajasthan could evaluate whether they need a more consistent lower-middle-order batter. However, his ability to accelerate late in an innings remains valuable, particularly in close finishes.
