IPL 2026 Auction EXPLAINED: How it works, key rules, format and where to watch

The IPL auction remains one of the most closely tracked off-field events in world cricket, setting the direction for franchises months before the first ball is bowled. Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, teams will once again enter the auction room to finalise squads, balance budgets and plug critical gaps using a mix of strategy, scouting and data-led decision-making.Here is a clear, step-by-step explainer on how the IPL auction functions and why it plays such a crucial role in shaping the league.What is the IPL auction?The IPL auction is the process through which franchises build their squads for the upcoming season. Players from India and overseas are placed in a central pool, and teams bid for them using a fixed budget allocated by the league. The auction determines player contracts, salaries and team composition for the season.Who oversees the auction?The auction is conducted under the supervision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. An independent auctioneer manages the live bidding process, announces player names, controls bid increments and ensures all rules are followed.Why does the IPL follow an auction system?Unlike open transfers, the auction model promotes competitive balance. With a capped purse, franchises are forced to make strategic choices rather than simply buying all top players. This system ensures financial discipline and helps keep the league competitive across seasons.How do players enter the auction pool?Players register through their respective cricket boards. Franchises then submit interest lists, following which shortlisted players are assigned base prices. Registration does not guarantee inclusion in the final auction list, as teams influence which players are called under the hammer.What does ‘base price’ mean?The base price is the minimum amount at which bidding for a player starts. Players can choose from different base price slabs. However, a higher base price does not guarantee demand, as teams also consider form, role suitability, age profile and long-term value.How does the bidding process work?When a player’s name is announced, interested teams place bids by raising their paddles. Bidding increases in predefined increments until only one franchise remains. That team secures the player at the final bid amount.What are purse limits and squad restrictions?Each franchise is given a fixed auction purse for the cycle. Teams must assemble their entire squad within this budget. There are also limits on overall squad size and the number of overseas players allowed, ensuring uniformity across teams.What are retentions and releases?Before the auction, teams decide which players to retain and which to release back into the pool. The salaries of retained players are deducted from the purse. While releasing players frees up funds, it carries the risk of not being able to buy a suitable replacement at the auction.What is a mini auction?Mini auctions are held when teams only need minor adjustments to their squads. Though shorter in duration, these auctions often see intense bidding for niche roles such as death-over specialists, power hitters or quality spinners.Why do uncapped players attract big bids?Uncapped players often command high prices due to their specific skill sets, such as raw pace, finishing ability or matchup advantages. Franchises also value their age profile and potential for long-term development.Why do established stars sometimes go unsold?Well-known players may miss out if their role is already well covered across teams, if their recent form has dipped, or if their base price is considered too high. Factors such as age, injury history and workload also influence franchise decisions.What happens to unsold players?Players who go unsold initially can re-enter the auction in accelerated rounds. If they remain unsold, they become free agents and can still be signed later as replacement players in case of injuries during the season.Where can fans watch the IPL auction?The IPL auction is broadcast live on sports television channels and streamed on official digital platforms. Fans can also follow real-time updates through the IPL’s official website and social media handles.Also Read: IPL Auction 2026 LIVE UpdatesWith franchises increasingly relying on analytics and long-term planning, the IPL 2026 auction is expected to be as much about smart picks as headline-grabbing bids.