IPL 2026 Auction: Top five biggest overseas players to go under the hammer

The IPL 2026 auction will be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

The much-awaited auction of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) is all set to commence on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

All 10 teams will participate in the event to select players as per their requirements. Kolkata Knight Riders have the biggest purse of INR 64.3 crore. So, we will see the three-time champion more active at the auction.

The five-time champion Mumbai Indians have the lowest purse of INR 2.75 crore. A total of 350 players have been shortlisted for the auction.

It includes 240 Indians and 110 international stars. There are some very famous names among those foreign players who will be involved in the bidding war between many franchises. Here we will talk about the top five overseas stars to go under the hammer in the IPL 2026 auction.

5. Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)

If the current form is what the IPL franchises will be looking for, then not many can compete with Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka. The right-hander has been leading the charts of run-scoring for his team across formats. He also slammed a century against India during the 2025 Asia Cup.

He recently made his ILT20 debut for the Gulf Giants and slammed three consecutive fifties. So, he can be a really underrated pick, which can do wonders for the team with his form.

4. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)

Chennai Super Kings released Matheesha Pathirana, which came as a big shock to the fans. The pacer was with the franchise for three seasons and took 47 wickets in 32 matches. He was their death specialist, and MS Dhoni used him very well.

He was on a salary of INR 13 crore with CSK and could fetch more than INR 10 crore again. Pathirana is a bankable bowler in the final overs, and everyone wants such bowlers on their roster.

3. David Miller

Another South African star who has been a household name in the IPL is David Miller. The Southpaw has been active in the IPL since 2012 and has represented 4 different teams. In 141 games, he has scored 3077 runs at a strike rate of 138.60.

Almost every team has a settled top order, but not many have good finishers like Miller. KKR have released Andre Russell, and they might try to get him. He will be among the top overseas stars at the IPL 2026 auction.

2. Quinton de Kock

Veteran South African keeper Quinton de Kock was not among the initial shortlisted names for the auction. He is a late entry and will be a target for some IPL teams. A dashing opener who keeps wickets and has immense experience playing 115 IPL games for six different teams.

He recently slammed an ODI century and a blistering 90 in a T20I against India. IPL franchises will take note of his performance, and this will force them to bid for him.

1. Cameron Green

Australian star all-rounder Cameron Green made his IPL debut in 2023 when the Mumbai Indians bought him for a whopping INR 18 crore. He was later traded to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024. Green has played 29 IPL games and has scored 707 runs at 41.58 and a strike rate of 153.69.

With the ball, he has taken 16 wickets. Green offers his explosive all-round ability, and such players become the highlight of an IPL auction. His last IPL price was INR 18 crore, and it won’t be a surprise if he gets another big deal at the IPL 2026 auction.

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