One of the most notable entries is the Australian all-rounder Cameron Greenwho is in charge of the overseas contingent. Unlike a fellow Australian star Glenn Maxwell has opted out, sparking discussion about the end of an era for one of the IPL’s most dynamic entertainers.
Despite the huge registration pool, there are only 77 spots up for grabs across the 10 franchises, including 31 overseas positions, meaning the list will be significantly reduced once teams submit their wish lists by December 5.
Cameron Green leads the ₹2 crore base price group; franchises are looking at aggressive bidding
After skipping the previous mega auction due to a back injury, Cameron Green has entered the 2026 pool at the highest base price of ₹2 crore. With teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on the hunt for a bowling all-rounder, Green is already being tipped as a potential record-breaking signing.
The ₹2 crore stacked bracket includes several big-ticket names such as Liam Livingstone, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ravi Bishnoi, Venkatesh Iyer, Matheesha Pathirana, Josh InglisMustafizur Rahman and Steve Smith, making it one of the most competitive high-end groups at recent auctions.
Given Green’s youth, three-dimensional skills and match-winning potential, he is widely expected to be the biggest foreign attraction at the auction.
Glenn Maxwell’s absence fuels pension speculation
In stark contrast, Glenn Maxwell’s name is missing from the registration list after Punjab Kings (PBKS) released him following a difficult, injury-plagued 2025 season. The 37-year-old managed just 48 runs and four wickets before a broken finger cut short his campaign.
Multiple reports suggest that Maxwell has opted not to register for IPL 2026, effectively ruling himself out of the off-season. His absence has revived speculation that his IPL career may be over, especially given his age, form and increasing focus on other T20 competitions worldwide.
Maxwell’s decision marks a big change for a player who was once considered one of the IPL’s most explosive all-rounders, raising questions over whether fans have seen the last of him in the tournament.
Big name absences change the dynamics of the 2026 auction pool
Maxwell isn’t the only high-profile name missing from the 2026 auction. Andre Russell, one of T20 cricket’s most iconic power hitters, has officially retired from the IPL and joined KKR’s support staff as a power-hitting coach.
Meanwhile, experienced internationals Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali have confirmed that they will prioritize the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2026 and opt out of IPL participation entirely.
These absences open the door for younger all-round options – particularly green and fast-rising stars like Matheesha Pathirana – to command premium bids.
Also READ: IPL 2026 auction date and venue confirmed; offering players to be a day long event
Franchises prepare for the final auction pool as a money battle looms
Collectively, the 10 IPL teams have ₹237.55 crore left before the auction. KKR came in with the largest purse at ₹64.30 crore, closely followed by CSK at ₹43.40 crore, positioning both as frontrunners to chase big names in the ₹2 crore category.
Once the teams submit their shortened wishlists, the IPL will put the list of 1,355 players into the final auction pool. Franchises will then focus on filling the key gaps left by pre-auction release and retention, paving the way for a high-stakes bidding contest in Abu Dhabi.
Also READ: From MS Dhoni to Rishabh Pant – List of Most Expensive Players Bought in Every IPL Auction from 2008 to 2025
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