The IPL 2026 mini-auction, held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, witnessed a usual mix of record-breaking buys and shocking misses. While players like
Cameron Green, Prashant Veer, and Kartik Sharma walked away with massive paydays, several names experienced financial setbacks. Changing team strategies, inconsistent performances, and squad balance considerations resulted in some players taking massive pay cuts compared to their IPL 2025 contracts.
The 2026 mini-auction saw 369 players go under the hammer, with franchises filling 77 slots. Performance in IPL 2025, availability, fitness concerns, and impact in pressure situations played a major role in valuation drops. As franchises prioritised flexibility, several once-expensive players were either released or re-entered the auction pool at significantly reduced prices.
The biggest pay cut of the auction belonged to Venkatesh Iyer. Bought for a whopping INR 23.75 crore by KKR in IPL 2025, the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder failed to justify the price, scoring just 142 runs in seven innings. Released ahead of the 2026 season, Iyer returned to the auction at a base price of INR 2 crore. After a slow start to bidding, RCB eventually outbid KKR to secure him for INR 7 crore, a massive INR 16.75 crore reduction.
Furthermore, Indian pacer Akash Deep, signed by LSG for INR 8 crore in IPL 2025, picked up only three wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 12.05. He went unsold in the initial round of the 2026 auction before KKR snapped him up in the accelerated round at his base price of INR 1 crore, resulting in an INR 7 crore cut.
Veteran South African batter David Miller also faced a huge reduction. From earning INR 7.5 crore in IPL 2025, Miller was sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 2 crore in 2026. Injury-prone speedster Anrich Nortje’s market value dipped immensely after earning INR 6.5 crore with KKR in IPL 2025, and playing only two matches. He entered the 2026 auction with a base price of INR 2 crore and was picked up by LSG at that figure, recording an INR 4.5 crore drop.
Lastly, Wanindu Hasaranga was picked for INR 5.25 crore by Rajasthan Royals, but his underwhelming returns led to his release. In the 2026 auction, he was signed by LSG at his base price of INR 2 crore, a INR 3.25 crore pay cut.
Which players faced the biggest pay cuts after the IPL 2026 Auction?
| Player Name | IPL 2025 Salary | IPL 2026 Salary | Sold to IPL 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Miller | 7,50,00,000 | 2,00,00,000 | Delhi Capitals |
| Akash Deep | 8,00,00,000 | 1,00,00,000 | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 5,25,00,000 | 2,00,00,000 | Lucknow Super Giants |
| Venkatesh Iyer | 23,75,00,000 | 7,00,00,000 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Anrich Nortje | 6,50,00,000 | 2,00,00,000 | Lucknow Super Giants |
