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IPL 2026 Auction: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction is just around the corner, scheduled to take place on December 16 at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena. With 77 slots up for grabs, including 31 foreign players, the competition is intensifying among the ten franchises. The total purse available for the auction stands at a whopping Rs 237.55 crore.

The ten teams have retained 173 players, strategically releasing high-profile names to bolster their squads for the next season.

The IPL 2026 auction is set to witness the absence of several high-profile players, including star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, hard-hitter Andre Russell, spinner Moeen Ali, Faf du Plessis, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohit Sharma, who have opted out of the tournament.

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Here’s the full list of the top cricketers who will be missing the IPL 2026 auction.

Glenn Maxwell

Australia's ace all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announced his withdrawal from the IPL 2026 auction, hinting at the end of his illustrious IPL career. The star all-rounder was released by Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the 2026 auction.

“After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name in the auction this year. It’s a big call, and one made with a lot of gratitude for everything this league has given me,” Maxwell wrote on his Instagram.

Faf du Plessis

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has opted out of the IPL 2026 auction, choosing instead to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Released by Delhi Capitals, Du Plessis cited a desire for new challenges, stating, "After 14 seasons in the IPL, I've decided not to put my name into the auction this year."

"It's a significant decision, and one that comes with a great deal of gratitude when I look back. This league has been a massive part of my journey. I've been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else. India has given me friendships, lessons, and memories that have shaped me as a cricketer and as a person," Du Plessis said in an official statement.

Andre Russell

West Indies star Andre Russell bid farewell to the IPL as a player, concluding a 12-year career marked by explosive performances. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released the explosive all-rounder Russell ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. However, Russell will continue to be part of Kolkata Knight Riders as their Power Coach for the 2026 season.

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Moeen Ali

England's Moeen Ali has opted out of the IPL 2026 auction, choosing instead to join fellow big-name players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) next season. The all-rounder has featured in 8 IPL seasons and won the crown with Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Ravichandran Ashwin

India's veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from the IPL, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning multiple franchises, including CSK, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.

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