IPL 2026 mini auction roundup: Green, Pathirana draw big bids; Shaw, Conway go unsold

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged as the biggest spenders at the Indian Premier League (IPL) players’ auction held here on Tuesday, with franchises splurging heavily on marquee overseas names and uncapped Indian talent.

KKR broke records by shelling out Rs 25.20 crore for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green and Rs 18 crore to acquire Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, making them two of the most expensive buys of the auction.

Uncapped Indian players also attracted massive interest, with Uttar Pradesh’s 20-year-old left-arm spinner Prashant Veer and Rajasthan’s 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma going to CSK for Rs 14.20 crore each. Both players entered the auction at a base price of Rs 30 lakh and became the highest-paid uncapped players in IPL auction history.

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar was another major gainer, drawing a bid of Rs 8.40 crore from Delhi Capitals after coming in with a base price of Rs 30 lakh.

India internationals Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan initially went unsold despite their recent run of form. Sarfaraz, however, was later picked up by CSK for Rs 75 lakh during the accelerated auction. Sarfaraz had smashed a 22-ball 73 for Mumbai against Rajasthan in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match just before the auction.

Green surpassed compatriot Mitchell Starc (Rs 24.75 crore) to become the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history. The all-rounder attracted an intense bidding war between KKR and CSK before the latter pulled out.

Presenting the Top 5⃣ buys of #TATAIPLAuction 2026 🙌

Which was your favourite bid? 🔨#TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/cBeFFZ9FKp

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 16, 2025

KKR also bid for Venkatesh Iyer but withdrew from the race as Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the India allrounder for Rs 7 crore.

The three-time champions later entered the bidding for Pathirana after Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants withdrew, following a prolonged contest. Entering at a base price of Rs 2 crore, Pathirana became the most expensive Sri Lankan player ever sold at an IPL auction.

Despite the Rs 25.20 crore bid for Green, his salary for the season will be Rs 18 crore (USD 1.9 million), with the remaining amount going to the BCCI’s player development programme under auction rules for foreign players. Pathirana will receive the full Rs 18 crore as it falls within the salary cap.

KKR managing director Venky Mysore said the franchise was satisfied with the price paid for Green.

“We are very happy. Something that we were focussed on and hoping. Quite happy with price at which we got him. Would have been a concern if it had gone higher. We were keen and attached but had it affected our rest of auction, we would have let him go,” Mysore said at a press conference.

“He will add lot to our team and with our new power coach Andre Russell, we know what he does, with bat and ball, couldn’t be happier.

“The rule the BCCI made on the Rs 18 crore, our standpoint is there is no concern, in any case it’s an outflow for franchise,” he added.

Green, who has previously represented Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has played 29 IPL matches, scoring 707 runs and taking 16 wickets.

The Australian allrounder said he was excited about joining KKR.

“I’m so excited to be part of Kolkata for this year’s IPL. To get down to the Eden Gardens, to get used to the atmosphere. I hope it is a great year for us. So see you soon. Ami KKR!”

Among other notable buys, Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was sold to KKR for Rs 9.20 crore. Uncapped Madhya Pradesh left-arm fast bowler Mangesh Yadav went to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 5.20 crore, with the franchise prevailing over Sunrisers Hyderabad after a bidding war for the 23-year-old.

Sunrisers Hyderabad spent Rs 13 crore to buy England batter Liam Livingstone, while Lucknow Super Giants secured Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis for Rs 8.60 crore.

Punjab Kings opened their account by snapping up Australia’s Cooper Connolly for Rs 3 crore.

Big-hitting South African batter David Miller was bought by Delhi Capitals for his base price of Rs 2 crore. However, New Zealand batter Devon Conway, who also came in at a base price of Rs 2 crore, went unsold.

South African opener Quinton de Kock returned to Mumbai Indians for his base price of Rs 1 crore.

Spencer Johnson remained unsold, while South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje, who entered at a base price of Rs 2 crore, was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants after they opened the bidding. Lungi Ngidi joined Delhi Capitals for his base price of Rs 2 crore.

A total of 359 players — 246 Indians and 113 overseas — were part of the mini auction pool, with the 10 franchises bidding to fill up to 77 slots, including 31 reserved for overseas players.

(With input from agencies)