The first official trumpet call of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) echoed across the cricketing world on Monday with the conclusion of the IPL 2026 mini auction. Though termed a “mini” auction, the event once again lived up to its reputation of delivering blockbuster deals, record-breaking bids, and life-changing moments for players.
Team purses may have been limited, but barring Mumbai Indians, franchises showed remarkable intent and big-hearted spending. Several bids crossed unprecedented heights, ensuring that the stories from this auction will be discussed for years to come. The biggest talking point, however, was the meteoric rise of two teenagers—Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma—who rewrote the record books at just 19 and 20 years of age.
Here is a look at the five players who attracted the highest bids at the IPL 2026 mini auction:
Cameron Green Becomes the Most Expensive Overseas Player
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was widely expected to be the hottest property of the auction, and he lived up to every expectation. A fierce bidding war unfolded, with even the usually conservative Chennai Super Kings willing to exhaust their entire purse to secure him. Eventually, Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious, signing Green for a staggering ₹25.20 crore. With this deal, Green surpassed Mitchell Starc’s ₹24.75 crore record from IPL 2024 to become the most expensive overseas player in IPL history.
Matheesha Pathirana Becomes Sri Lanka’s Costliest IPL Player
Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana, released earlier by Chennai Super Kings, proved why many had termed his release a mistake. A fierce bidding war followed for the T20 specialist bowler, with Kolkata Knight Riders once again outbidding rivals to sign him for ₹18 crore. The deal made Pathirana the most expensive Sri Lankan player in IPL history.
Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma Shatter Uncapped Player Records
Two young talents from Uttar Pradesh stole the spotlight and made history. Nineteen-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma from Agra and 20-year-old left-arm spinner Prashant Veer from Amethi were both snapped up by Chennai Super Kings for ₹14.20 crore each. This marked the highest amount ever paid by CSK for an Indian player and also made the duo the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history. Their record-breaking rise underlined CSK’s faith in building a strong future Indian core.
From Unsold to Record Payday: Liam Livingstone’s Dramatic Turnaround
England all-rounder Liam Livingstone endured a disappointing previous season with Punjab Kings and went unsold in the first round of the auction. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad played a patient game, conserving their purse. When Livingstone’s name resurfaced in the second round, SRH owner Kavya Maran went all out. After an intense bidding war, Livingstone was signed for a career-high ₹13 crore, marking one of the most dramatic comebacks of the auction.
Mustafizur Rahman Bags a Massive Deal
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, known for his wicket-taking ability and exceptional control in the death overs, also attracted strong interest. While his demand was expected, few anticipated the scale of the bidding war that followed. Kolkata Knight Riders eventually secured him for ₹9.20 crore, significantly bolstering their bowling attack.
The IPL 2026 mini auction once again highlighted the league’s unmatched ability to blend global superstars with emerging Indian talent. With records shattered and new stars born, the countdown to the 19th season has officially begun.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.