The excitement for the TATA IPL 2026 season has officially begun with the announcement of the Player Auction list, released on December 9, 2025. A total of 350 players are set to go under the hammer at the high-stakes auction scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
This year’s auction promises intense bidding wars, fresh talent, and plenty of surprises as franchises look to strengthen their squads for the new season.
Massive Registration, Final Shortlist of 350 Players
For the 2026 season, a remarkable 1390 players registered for the auction. After thorough evaluation, 350 players made it to the final shortlist:
- 240 Indian players
- 110 overseas players
The list features an impressive pool of 224 uncapped Indian talents and 14 uncapped overseas players, ensuring a strong mix of rising stars and seasoned performers.
77 Slots Available — Including 31 Overseas Spots
All 10 IPL franchises will compete to fill 77 total squad vacancies, out of which 31 positions are reserved exclusively for overseas players. With so many fresh faces and strategic gaps to fill, teams are expected to adopt more aggressive and data-driven bidding strategies this year.
Top Reserve Price Bracket: 40 Players in INR 2 Crore Category
The highest base price for the auction stands at INR 2 crore, with 40 players opting to enter the top bracket. This includes some of the biggest global names expected to attract heavy bidding from multiple franchises.
Auction Timing
The TATA IPL 2026 Auction will begin at:
- 1:00 PM UAE Time
- 2:30 PM IST
on Tuesday, 16th December.
Fans can expect a thrilling, multi-hour event as teams battle it out for key players in every category.
Complete Breakdown: Capped & Uncapped Players
| Sr. No | Capped/Uncapped players | No. of players |
| 1 | Capped Indians | 16 |
| 2 | Capped Overseas | 96 |
| 3 | Uncapped Indian | 224 |
| 4 | Uncapped overseas | 14 |
| Total | 350 |
Player List by Base Price (in Lakhs)
| Reserve Price (₹ Lakhs) | Number of Players |
| 200 | 40 |
| 150 | 9 |
| 125 | 4 |
| 100 | 17 |
| 75 | 42 |
| 50 | 4 |
| 40 | 7 |
| 30 | 227 |
| Total | 350 |
Final Note
The TATA IPL 2026 Player Auction is set to be one of the most talent-rich events in recent years, featuring a perfect balance of experienced international stars and dynamic young players. With only 77 slots available, competition among franchises will be fierce and highly strategic.
