The cricket world is buzzing, and for good reason! The longlist for the IPL 2026 auction is out, and it's absolutely packed with drama, surprises, and massive opportunities. We're talking about a list of 1,355 players, all hoping for a spot in the world's biggest T20 league. But the real story isn't just who's on the list—it's also about who isn't, and the shocking exits are already setting the stage for an unforgettable auction day in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
Key Highlights
- ✓ A whopping 1,355 players have thrown their hats in the ring for the IPL 2026 auction.
- ✓ Aussie star Glenn Maxwell has unexpectedly withdrawn his name, joining a list of absentees like Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali.
- ✓ KKR legend Andre Russell has retired from the IPL and will transition into a "power coach" role for the team.
- ✓ Australian allrounder Cameron Green is set to be a top target, listed in the maximum ₹2 crore reserve price bracket.
- ✓ Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head into the auction with the biggest purse of ₹64.3 crore.
The Big Goodbyes: Maxwell's Shock Exit and an End of an Era
Let’s get right to the news that dropped like a bombshell: Glenn Maxwell has officially pulled out of the auction. After 13 seasons and 141 games, the explosive Aussie allrounder, a true veteran of the league, announced his decision with a heartfelt message on Instagram. It’s a huge call, and one that has left fans and franchises scrambling to process the news.
His decision follows a pretty tough 2025 season with Punjab Kings, where he only managed to score 48 runs in seven matches at an average of just 8. It seems the 37-year-old also sustained a fractured finger midway through that season, which definitely didn't help. In his post, Maxi made it clear how much the IPL meant to him, shaping him as both a cricketer and a person. It’s a classy exit from a player who brought so much energy to the game.
Maxwell isn't the only big name missing. England's Moeen Ali and South Africa's Faf du Plessis have both opted to play in the Pakistan Super League instead. And then there's the big one for KKR fans: the legendary Andre Russell. After not being retained, the West Indian powerhouse has retired from playing in the IPL. But don't worry, he's not going far. Russell is taking on a new role as KKR's "power coach," which is a fascinating new chapter for him and the franchise.
Enter the Green Machine: The Hunt for the Next Superstar
With legends stepping aside, the stage is set for a new hero to emerge, and all eyes are on one man: Cameron Green. The Australian allrounder is back and has listed himself at the highest reserve price of ₹2 crore. He missed the 2025 mega-auction while recovering from a back injury, so the anticipation to see him in the IPL is at an all-time high.
Green is the complete package—he can bat anywhere in the order, he’s a more-than-handy seamer, and he’s an absolute asset in the field. It’s no surprise that teams with deep pockets are lining up. KKR, with a massive ₹64.3 crore purse and a glaring Andre Russell-sized hole to fill, seems like the most obvious suitor. They need a game-changing overseas allrounder, and Green fits the bill perfectly.
But they won't be alone. The five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), are also in the mix with the second-strongest purse at ₹43.4 crore and an overseas slot to fill. A bidding war between two of the league's most successful franchises for Australia's "Golden boy" could be one of the main events of the auction.
The High-Rollers Club: Who's in the ₹2 Crore Bracket?
Green isn't the only one aiming for a big payday. A total of 45 players have confidently placed themselves in the maximum reserve price bracket of ₹2 crore. This elite list is a mix of established stars and released players looking to prove their worth all over again. It's a fascinating group that tells you a lot about the current T20 landscape.
You've got England's big-hitter Liam Livingstone, Sri Lankan spin wizards Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, and South African pacers like Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje. Kiwi stars like Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell are also in there. It’s a truly international affair, with players from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the West Indies also making the top tier.
The Revolving Door: Big Releases Shake Up the Auction Pool
What makes this auction particularly spicy is the number of high-profile players who were recently released by their franchises and are now back in the pool. It's a brutal reminder of how quickly things can change in the IPL. One season you're a multi-crore retention, and the next, you're back on the auction block.
Take Venkatesh Iyer, for example. KKR bought him for a staggering ₹23.5 crore at the last mega-auction, but after his release, he's back with a base price of ₹2 crore. Similarly, legspinner Ravi Bishnoi, who was retained by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹11 crore last year, was let go after what the franchise considered weak year-on-year numbers during his four-year stint.
Even champion teams aren't sentimental. CSK released Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who they had retained for ₹13 crore. Though he was their go-to death bowler, persistent injury struggles seem to have been the deciding factor. And Liam Livingstone's stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru lasted just one season; despite being bought for ₹8.75 crore, a below-par performance saw him released by the defending champs.
Perhaps one of the most surprising moves was Josh Inglis being back in the auction. He was a key part of PBKS's run to the final, but it's understood he couldn't commit to the entire 2026 season for personal reasons—his availability is listed at just 25%. All these stories add layers of intrigue to the auction, as teams will be weighing past performance against current form and availability.
Conclusion
So, here's the bottom line: the IPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be an absolute rollercoaster. We're witnessing a changing of the guard with legends like Maxwell and Russell stepping away from the playing field, creating a vacuum that young, hungry superstars are eager to fill. The stage is perfectly set for Cameron Green to spark a massive bidding war, while a host of released marquee players are looking for redemption and a new home.
With 77 slots to fill and team purses ranging wildly, the strategies on December 16 in Abu Dhabi will be fascinating to watch. It's more than just an auction; it's the beginning of a new cycle, where fortunes will be made, teams will be rebuilt, and the next generation of IPL heroes will be crowned. Get your popcorn ready, because this is going to be epic.
