The IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 is set to be a star-studded spectacle, with several big international names headlining the event. Cameron Green is expected to attract significant attention and leads a group of 19 Australian players in the auction pool, which also features Josh Inglis, Matthew Short, Cooper Connolly and Beau Webster.
In an unusual twist, Australia assistant coach and Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Daniel Vettori is expected to miss part of the Ashes to attend the auction. According to a report from Cricbuzz, the former New Zealand spinner has sought permission from Cricket Australia to travel to Abu Dhabi in the middle of the series. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer is likely to be present at the auction, but PBKS coach Ricky Ponting is unlikely to travel due to commentary commitments with the Seven Network for the Ashes, with the third Test starting on December 17.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor and former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has also lifted the curtain on the intense, high-pressure environment that builds up behind the scenes before an IPL mini-auction. Calling it one of the most demanding yet enjoyable phases of his cricketing life, Karthik said the preparation alone could be turned into a full-fledged documentary.
“If the world saw everything we discuss, they could make a mega-serial out of it,” Karthik said in an RCB video on X. “They could easily create a 10-part TV series.”
He reflected on the exhaustive planning that consumed the days before the auction. “The 10 days leading up to the auction were the most exhilarating I’ve ever experienced. I’ve played a lot of cricket, but sitting in the boardroom figuring out what it takes to build a team was the most challenging and fun stretch I’ve had,” he said, praising the detailed process employed by RCB’s management duo Mo and Andy.
