IPL 2026 Auction: Top 5 Most Expensive Overseas Players Announced

Former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared his predictions for which foreign players could attract the biggest bids at the IPL 2026 auction. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Cameron Green, who missed the last season due to injury, is expected to spark multiple bids from franchises in the auction.

The IPL 2026 auction is set to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Teams can sign 31 overseas players during the auction. With big names released and a few stars retiring, franchises are hunting aggressively for foreign talent, from wicketkeepers and power hitters to all-rounders and specialist bowlers.

Kolkata Knight Riders have the highest purse for the IPL 2026 auction, giving them the flexibility to pursue every target on their wishlist. Chennai Super Kings, who have the second-biggest purse, are also expected to be active as they look to add key players and strengthen their core for the upcoming season.

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There Is Going to Be Some Recency Bias - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said that three overseas players could become valuable No. 5 picks at the IPL 2026 auction. He picked South Africans David Miller and Anrich Nortje, along with Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana.

"There is the South Africa series going on, so there is going to be some recency bias. I've kept Matheesha Pathirana, David Miller, and Anrich Nortje at No.5. If Nortje and Miller perform well against India, then they will get a lot of money," he said in a clip posted on X.

There Should Be a Lot of Interest for Michael Bracewell at IPL auction - Aakash Chopra

Chopra believes all-rounders Michael Bracewell and Cooper Connolly could draw attention at the auction. He noted that Bracewell offers the kind of off-spin and lower-order hitting a team like CSK might need. Chopra also pointed out that Delhi Capitals could consider Connolly.

"There should be a lot of interest for Michael Bracewell, but unfortunately there isn't. CSK, you need an offie, he does bat well too. So CSK should think about him. Ricky Ponting has an overseas slot empty now, so Connolly is an option there," Chopra opined.

I Have Kept Jonny Bairstow At No.2 - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra stated that although Liam Livingstone has underperformed for Punjab Kings and RCB, the shortage of power-hitters in the middle order will keep his value high. Chopra added that Jonny Bairstow is expected to attract interest from multiple franchises after his stint with Mumbai Indians.

"Livingstone has been an underperformer, he has been underwhelming, whether it be for Punjab or RCB. But, it is all about Supply and Demand now, there are no explosive middle-order players, even Maxi (Maxwell) is not there now. So, I think Livingstone will make money this time too," Chopra said.

"I have kept Jonny Bairstow at No.2. He has hit a lot, and played a few matches for the Mumbai Indians last season as well. Plenty of teams can go after him. KKR need a keeper-batter, and DC need an explosive batter at the top of the order, so I think there will be a lot of interest for him," he added.

Cameron Green Will Be At No.1 - Aakash Chopra

Cameron Green is expected to be the star attraction of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He was released by RCB in 2024 and missed the 2025 season due to injury. Aakash Chopra said teams like KKR and CSK are likely to go hard for Green.

"Cameron Green will be at No.1, there is nobody even coming close. How much ever the final price is, he is only going to get the maximum cap of INR 18 crore, but the bid, it could be a proper bidding war. There will be KKR and there will be CSK, and there will some other team that jumps in before CSK, it could actually be 25 to 28 crore for him," Aakash Chopra concluded.

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