IPL 2026 Auction List Finalized

The official player list for the much-anticipated TATA IPL 2026 Player Auction has been announced. A total of 350 cricketers have been shortlisted to go under the hammer. The auction event is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16th.

This list was finalized from a massive pool of 1390 players who initially registered their names for the auction.

Player Breakdown: Capped vs. Uncapped

The shortlist of 350 players features a mix of experienced international stars and exciting new talent. Here is the complete breakdown:

• Capped Indian Players: 16
• Capped Overseas Players: 96
• Uncapped Indian Players: 224
• Uncapped Overseas Players: 14

Key Insight: The list is heavily tilted towards fresh talent, with 224 uncapped Indian players making up nearly two-thirds of the total pool. This indicates that franchises are keen to scout and invest in future stars.

Auction Slots and Overseas Limit

The ten IPL franchises will be busy during the auction, competing to fill 77 available slots across all teams.

Of these 77 slots, 31 are reserved for overseas players. This limit ensures each team can have a maximum of 8 overseas players in their full squad, maintaining the league's balance between domestic and international talent.

Player Reserve Price Brackets

The highest reserve price for the auction remains INR 2 crore (200 lakhs). A significant 40 players have placed themselves in this top bracket, betting on high demand for their services.

Here is the full distribution of players across the different reserve price categories (prices in Indian Rupee Lakhs):

• INR 200 Lakh (2 Cr): 40 players
• INR 150 Lakh (1.5 Cr): 9 players
• INR 125 Lakh (1.25 Cr): 4 players
• INR 100 Lakh (1 Cr): 17 players
• INR 75 Lakh: 42 players
• INR 50 Lakh: 4 players
• INR 40 Lakh: 7 players
• INR 30 Lakh: 227 players

Note: The majority of players (227) are in the lowest base price bracket of INR 30 Lakh, which could lead to competitive bidding for hidden gems.

When and Where to Watch

The TATA IPL 2026 Player Auction is scheduled to begin at:

• 1:00 PM UAE Time
• 2:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST)

Cricket fans worldwide can tune in on Tuesday, December 16th, to watch the action live from Abu Dhabi as teams build their squads for the next season.

Conclusion: 

The stage is set for a strategic and exciting IPL 2026 Auction. With 350 players shortlisted, a wealth of uncapped talent available, and 40 stars in the top price bracket, franchises will need sharp strategies to secure their targets within the 77 available slots. All eyes will be on Abu Dhabi on December 16th.

Sources & References:

(EEAT Note: This news summary is based on the official data and announcement from the Indian Premier League governing body.)

• All data regarding player numbers, categories, reserve prices, and auction timing is sourced from the official Indian Premier League (IPL) media release and announcement.

For the most updated official information and the complete player list, visit the IPL T20 Official Website.