The Indian Premier League 2026 mini-auction concluded in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16, as all 10 franchises recruited their quota of 25 players for the 19th season of the competition.
Kolkata Knight Riders headed into the auction with the highest purse and, quite expectedly, stole the limelight in the mini-auction.
After their legendary all-rounder Andre Russell announced his retirement, KKR needed a quality all-rounder option and accordingly, they went after Australian star Cameron Green.
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After an intense bidding battle, KKR won the race in the end as they roped in Green for a whopping INR 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas signing of all time, breaking their own record of roping Mitchell Starc at the IPL 2024 auction.
KKR also broke the bank by signing Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana for INR 18 crore. CSK were also in the limelight as they signed rookie stars like Karthik Sharma and Prashant Veer for INR 14.20 crore each.
Who earned the biggest jumps from their base price at IPL 2026 mini-auction?
Cameron Green (KKR): INR 2 crore to INR 25.20 crore
In a bid to replace legendary Russell in their squad, KKR have spent a record INR 25.20 crore on Australia international Cameron Green, thus making him the most expensive overseas buy in the history of the IPL. Green's base price was set at INR 2 crore.
Matheesha Pathirana (KKR): INR 2 crore to INR 18 crore
Former CSK fast bowler and Sri Lanka international Matheesha Pathirana went to KKR for a whopping INR 18 crore after starting with a base price of INR 2 crore. KKR needed a quality fast bowling option after releasing most of their overseas pace bowling until this year.
MORE: IPL 2026 mini-auction: Most expensive Indian players listed
Kartik Sharma (CSK): INR 30L to INR 14.20 crore
December 16, 2025 will always remain a memorable day in the life of 19-year-old wicket-keeper batter from Rajasthan, Kartik Sharma, as the youngster was bought by five-time IPL champions CSK for a whopping INR 14.20 crore from a base price of just INR 30L.
Prashant Veer (CSK): INR 30L to INR 14.20 crore
It seems investing in youth talents was CSK's theme in this year's IPL mini auction as they once again spent a whopping INR 14.20 crore to sign Uttar Pradesh-based 20-year-old all-rounder, whose base price was set at INR 30L.
Auqib Nabi (DC): INR 30L to INR 8.40 crore
Jammu Kashmir-based right-arm medium fast bowler, Auqib Nabi went from a base price of INR 30L to INR 8.40 crore as DC snapped the 29-year-old in a memorable signing.
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