The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 player's mini-auction is scheduled for December 16th in Abu Dhabi. A significant rule garnering attention involves foreign players. The IPL Governing Council has set a maximum earning cap at 180 million INR for any foreign player, regardless of a franchise's higher bid.
Therefore, even if bids exceed 180 million INR, the foreign player will only receive up to that amount. This rule, which aims to maintain financial discipline and curb extravagant bidding, was first introduced in the IPL 2025 mega auction and has now been implemented in the mini-auction as well.
For example, if Australian all-rounder Cameron Green receives a bid of 300 million INR, his IPL salary will be capped at 180 million INR. The remaining 120 million INR will be directed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Player Welfare Fund, though the franchise must pay the full 300 million INR from their budget.
KKR Holds the Biggest Purse
For the mini-auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lead with the largest budget, having 643 million INR. Meanwhile, the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), have 436 million INR. Despite these hefty sums, foreign players will not earn more than 180 million INR each.
This financial cap applies solely to foreign players; Indian players will receive the full bid amount, even if it exceeds 180 million INR.
During the IPL 2025 mega auction, Rishabh Pant emerged as the priciest player, purchased by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for 270 million INR, receiving his entire salary. Pant remains the costliest player in IPL's history.
