The Indian Premier League 2026 mini-auction is set to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, with 77 slots to be filled. With several big names in the
pool and franchises operating with contrasting budgets, the mini-auction is expected to witness strategic decisions being made. In total, all 10 IPL teams will collectively have INR 237.55 crore available to spend as they compete to fill 77 remaining slots, including 31 overseas positions.
Unlike mega auctions that reset team squads, the mini-auction is designed for fine-tuning squads. Teams can only bid for released players or new entrants. While the IPL 2025 mega auction saw teams spend a massive INR 639.15 crore, the mini-auction’s restricted purse will lead to value buys, over headline-grabbing bids.
At the IPL 2026 mini-auction, franchises will have a combined purse of INR 237.55 crore. With squads allowed to have between 18 and 25 players, teams are collectively looking to fill 77 slots, making this a moderately busy auction by mini-auction standards.
Notably, out of these 77 slots, 31 are reserved for overseas players. The remaining slots are for Indian players, many of whom will come from the uncapped pool. Each team must also spend at least 75% of its available purse, ensuring active participation even from franchises with smaller budgets.
Team-wise remaining purse
Kolkata Knight Riders (INR 64.30 crore, 13 slots, 6 overseas)
KKR enters the auction with the largest purse. With multiple overseas vacancies and stunning releases, they are well-positioned to trigger bidding for big names as all-rounders and fast bowlers. A significant portion of the total auction spend is expected to come from KKR alone.
Chennai Super Kings (INR 43.40 crore, 9 slots, 4 overseas)
CSK have an unusually strong purse for a mini-auction. With few gaps in the lower order and bowling attack, they have room to make decisive mid-to-high value purchases.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (INR 25.50 crore, 10 slots, 2 overseas)
SRH sits in the upper-middle tier in terms of spending power. With most of their core retained, their funds are likely to be going into selective roles.
Lucknow Super Giants (INR 22.95 crore, 6 slots, 4 overseas)
LSG has a strong purse with limited slots, and is expected to go for a quality-over-quantity approach.
Delhi Capitals (INR 21.80 crore, 8 slots, 5 overseas)
Delhi has several holes to fill, especially at the top of the order and in fast bowling.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (INR 16.40 crore, 8 slots, 2 overseas)
Coming off their maiden IPL title, RCB are expected to spend wisely and for specific roles.
Rajasthan Royals (INR 16.05 crore, 9 slots, 1 overseas)
RR are in a similar position to RCB financially. With most overseas spots filled, they are likely to focus on Indian talent and role-specific additions.
Gujarat Titans (INR 12.90 crore, 5 slots, 4 overseas)
GT are set to have a tricky auction with four overseas slots to fill and limited funds.
Punjab Kings (INR 11.50 crore, 4 slots, 2 overseas)
PBKS have one of the smallest purses but also fewer vacancies.
Mumbai Indians (INR 2.75 crore, 5 slots, 1 overseas)
MI enter the auction with the lowest purse.
