IPL 2026 Auction
Player retention, mega auction results & team purse details
IPL 2026 Mega Auction Overview
The IPL 2026 season follows the mega auction held ahead of IPL 2025, where all 10 franchises rebuilt their squads. Each team was allowed to retain up to 6 players (maximum 5 capped players and 2 uncapped players) before entering the auction with the remaining purse.
The total purse for each franchise was set at ₹120 crore (approximately $14.4 million), with deductions based on the number and category of retained players. Teams also had access to Right-to-Match (RTM) cards to reclaim released players during the auction.
The auction pool featured over 1,500 registered players from more than 20 countries, making it one of the most competitive auctions in IPL history.
Retention Rules
Before the mega auction, franchises could retain players under two categories: capped and uncapped. A maximum of 6 retentions were permitted per team, with no more than 5 capped players. Each retention came with a salary deduction from the team's auction purse.
How the IPL Auction Works
The IPL auction is a closed-room event where franchise owners and team management bid for players from a registered pool. The auctioneer announces a player along with their base price, and franchises raise their paddles to place bids. Bidding continues until only one franchise remains.
Players are divided into sets based on their role (batsman, bowler, all-rounder, wicketkeeper) and nationality (capped Indian, uncapped Indian, overseas). Base prices range from ₹20 lakh to ₹2 crore depending on the player's profile.
Each team must maintain a minimum squad size of 18 players and maximum of 25, with no more than 8 overseas players. The salary cap and squad composition rules ensure competitive balance across the league.
Retention Rules & Mega Auction Cycle
The IPL operates on a mega auction cycle, typically held every 3-4 years. Before a mega auction, each franchise can retain up to 6 players (maximum 5 capped) through direct retention, paying pre-determined retention fees that are deducted from their total purse. This allows teams to keep their core players while rebuilding the rest of the squad through the auction.
Between mega auctions, annual mini-auctions allow teams to fill vacancies caused by player releases, retirements, or injuries. Mini-auctions typically feature a smaller player pool and more targeted bidding, as teams look to plug specific gaps in their squads.
The Right to Match (RTM) card is a strategic tool that allows franchises to reclaim a previously released player at the winning bid price. Teams receive a limited number of RTM cards, adding another layer of tactical decision-making. The combination of retentions, RTMs, and auction strategy creates fascinating off-field drama that often rivals the on-field action.
Record-Breaking IPL Auction Buys
Mitchell Starc's record-breaking ₹24.75 crore ($3 million) purchase by KKR in the 2024 mega auction set a new benchmark for the most expensive IPL player. Pat Cummins, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant have also commanded premium prices, reflecting the high value franchises place on match-winning talent. Uncapped Indian players have also attracted staggering bids — showcasing the IPL's role as a talent discovery platform.
Auction strategy varies significantly between franchises. Some teams like CSK and MI prioritize retaining experienced cores, while others like PBKS and RR have embraced bold rebuilds. The most successful teams balance star power with smart value picks — finding gems at base price who can outperform their auction value. Explore each team's current squad composition on our teams page.
Team Purse & Squads
Browse each team's complete IPL 2026 squad including retained players, auction picks, and remaining purse:
