The Indian Premier League 2026 mini-auction is scheduled to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, with 77 slots to be filled. With several big names in the pool and franchises working with contrasting budgets, strategic decisions are expected to be taken in the mini-auction. Overall, all 10 IPL teams will collectively have Rs 237.55 crore available to spend as they compete to fill the 77 remaining slots, including 31 overseas positions.
Unlike mega auctions that reset team squads, mini-auctions are designed to fix teams. Teams can bid only for released players or new entrants. While the IPL 2025 mega-auction saw teams spend a whopping Rs 639.15 crore, the restricted purse of the mini-auction will lead to value buying compared to headline-grabbing bids.
In the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the franchises will have a combined purse of Rs 237.55 crore. With teams allowed to field 18 to 25 players, teams are collectively trying to fill 77 slots, making it a moderately busy auction by mini-auction standards.
Notably, 31 of these 77 slots are reserved for foreign players. The remaining slots are for Indian players, many of whom will come from the uncapped pool. Each team will have to spend at least 75% of its available purse, ensuring active participation even by franchises with smaller budgets.
Team-wise purse balance
Kolkata Knight Riders (INR 64.30 Crore, 13 Slot, 6 Overseas)
KKR has entered the auction with the biggest purse. With several overseas vacancies and spectacular releases, they are well placed to bid for big names as all-rounders and fast bowlers. A major chunk of the total auction spend is expected to come from KKR alone.
Chennai Super Kings (INR 43.40 crore, 9 slots, 4 overseas)
CSK has an unusually strong purse for the mini-auction. With some gaps in the lower order and bowling attack, there is scope for them to make a decisive mid-to-high price purchase.
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 intact, their funds are likely to move into select roles.
Lucknow Super Giants (INR 22.95 Crore, 6 Slots, 4 Overseas)
LSG has a strong purse with limited slots, and is expected to take a quality-over-quantity approach.
Delhi Capitals (INR 21.80 Crore, 8 Slots, 5 Overseas)
Delhi have many holes to fill, especially in the top order and fast bowling.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (INR 16.40 Crore, 8 Slots, 2 Overseas)
After their maiden IPL title, RCB are expected to spend wisely and look for specific roles.
Rajasthan Royals (INR 16.05 crore, 9 slots, 1 overseas)
RR is in a similar position to RCB financially. With most of the 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 is going to have a tricky auction, with four overseas slots to fill and funds being limited.
Punjab Kings (INR 11.50 Crore, 4 Slots, 2 Overseas)
PBKS has one of the smallest purses but vacancies are also less.
Mumbai Indians (INR 2.75 crore, 5 slots, 1 overseas)
MI entered the auction with the lowest purse.
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