5 Foreign Players Franchises Can Target in IPL 2026 Auction ft. Cameron Green

IPL 2026 mini auctiontaking place on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, promises intense bidding wars with 350 players shortlisted from 1,390 registrants, including 110 foreign stars. Franchises come in with purses of up to ₹64.3 crore Kolkata Knight Riderswith a view to strengthening post retentions and transactions, under new rules limiting salaries abroad to ₹18 crore. Five foreign players stand out as prime targets due to their proven skills, recent form and post-release availability

5 Foreign Cricketers Likely to Attract Big Bids in IPL 2026 Auctions

1. Cameron Green

Cameron Green tops the auction pool at a base price of ₹2 crore, listed as a batsman but cleared to bowl after a back surgery sidelined him in IPL 2025. The Australian all-rounder offers stability and mid-level seaming options, having scored 255 runs and taken six wickets for RCB in 2024 at an economy of 8.62; KKR and CSK, with deep pockets and foreign slots, consider him one Andre Russel or Sam Curran replacement

2. Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone comes in after RCB’s release despite their IPL 2025 title, having amassed 112 runs at a strike rate of 133 in 10 matches plus two wickets. The England powerhouse is flourishing in T20 Blast and The Hundred 2025 with averages near 40 and strike percentages of over 160, making him ideal for explosive cameos; Mumbai IndiansKKR and LSG could spark a multi-team chase because of his leg-spin utility

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3. Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana shocks as CSK were released despite 47 IPL wickets in 32 matches at an average of 21.62 and an economy of 8.68, a death-over yorker specialist clocking 153 kmph. The 22-year-old Sri Lankan’s LPL and international form, with 132 T20 scalps, positions him at a base of ₹2 crore; KKR, SRH and LSG are keeping an eye on his recovery despite injury adjustments in 2025

4. Anrich Nortje

Anrich NortjeReleased by KKR after a fitness hit IPL 2025 (one wicket in two games, 11.86 economy), boasts 61 IPL wickets at an average of 27.16 over 48 matches. South Africa’s pacer, with a career-best 3/33, remains a pace threat in powerplays; Purse-rich teams like CSK or PBKS can revive his revival for T20 impact

5. Jamie Smith

Jamie SmithEngland’s emerging wicketkeeper-batsman, brings T20 strike rates of 144 with 1,687 runs and Test centuries like 184* vs India. With a base of ₹1.5 crore, its flexibility from top to mid-range suits KKR, DC or PBKS, which require dynamic goalkeepers; five T20I fifties indicate IPL breakthrough potential.

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