NEW DELHI: The IPL 2026 auction is just a few days away and the buzz is steadily growing around which players could attract huge sums. As usual overseas stars are dominating early discussions with franchises closely tracking their options.
This time BCCI has introduced a new rule to regulate spending in the mini auction.
IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: All you need to know about the big bidding day
Why the new overseas salary rule was introduced
In recent years several franchises expressed concern over overseas players taking advantage of the mini auction format. With limited marquee names available teams were often forced into aggressive bidding wars.
To curb this trend the BCCI has capped the maximum salary for any overseas player in a mini auction at INR 18 crore. This amount mirrors the highest retention value given to Indian players before the previous mega auction.
If a franchise bids more than INR 18 crore for an overseas player the cricketer will still receive only INR 18 crore. Any excess amount paid goes to the BCCI and is directed towards player welfare and development initiatives.
The move comes after the dramatic IPL 2024 auction where Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins fetched record breaking bids. Franchises went all out to secure proven match winners leading to unprecedented spending.
Impact on teams and players
Franchises will still lose the full bid amount from their purse even if it exceeds INR 18 crore. However the overseas player’s earnings remain capped.
Indian players are not affected by this rule and continue to receive the full value of the winning bid. The regulation applies only to mini auctions and not to mega auctions.
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green along with England players Liam Livingstone and Jamie Smith are expected to attract strong interest.
