The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction concluded on Tuesday, December 16, with franchises spending heavily to strengthen their squads. While many established stars attracted massive bids, the auction proved to be a breakthrough moment for some lesser-known names as well. Notably, some foreign players earned their first IPL contracts, marking an important milestone in their careers.
Here are 3 foreign players who earned first IPL contracts
cooper connolly
Australian all-rounder cooper connolly Punjab Kings (PBKS) bought him for Rs 3 crore. The 22-year-old player is a promising talent who offers versatility with both bat and ball. A left-handed batsman, Connolly can provide stability in the middle order and is also capable of finishing the innings when required. Additionally, his left-arm spin makes him a valuable option in Indian conditions, where spin often plays a vital role.
Connolly has performed consistently for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL) so far, scoring 636 runs and taking 12 wickets. He has also played in Major League Cricket (MLC) for the San Francisco Unicorns and gained experience in high-pressure franchise cricket. Connolly will be keen to make a strong mark in his maiden IPL season under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and the guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting.
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