• Source:JND

IPL 2026 Auction: The much-awaited IPL 2026 Auction is not too far from now and is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. A total of 359 players are set to go under the hammer in the mini auction, aiming to find their respective new franchises. 77 slots are available to fill, including 31 for the overseas cricketers.

Apart from strengthening their squads, all 10 teams will also be looking to give a chance to new faces and groom a budding talent for the future. The example has already been set last season when the Rajasthan Royals handed the debut cap to young Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The 14-year-old batting sensation set the IPL 2025 on fire, having been picked for Rs 1.1 crore by the inaugural champions.

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Suryavanshi had a blast in the IPL season as he smashed the second-fastest century in the tournament's history, smashing multiple records at the age of just 13.

The player pool for the much-awaited auction also includes a notable number of young stars, but it will also be a chance for the veteran stars to capitalise on their experience. As teams gear up to spend a collective amount of Rs 237.55 crore, let's take a look at a few youngest and oldest players set to be part of the upcoming mini auction.


Top 5 oldest players in the IPL 2026 Auction

Jalaj Saxena (India): 38 years & 361 days

He has played just one IPL match during his career. Jalaj has been a part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and the Punjab Kings


Karn Sharma (India): 38 years & 49 days

Karn has played 90 IPL career matches and has played for big teams like the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. He has also been a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad and RCB. His last appearance came against the Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium during the IPL 2025.


Umesh Yadav (India): 38 years & 47 days

Veteran Indian fast bowler hasn't been at his best in the IPL lately, having also been out of the national setup for a while now. Umesh has played for Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders throughout his career in the IPL.

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Richard Gleeson (England): 38 years & 9 days

Former Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings bowler Richard Gleeson aims to return to IPL action. He has a base price of Rs 75 lakh in the mini auction. In his three appearances in the IPL, the Englishman has taken two wickets.


Dwaine Pretorius (South Africa): 36 years & 258 days

South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius, who has previously been a part of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, will enter the mini auction with a base price of Rs 1 crore. He has played 7 matches and has 44 runs and 6 wickets to his name.

 

In total, 173 players, including 49 overseas cricketers, were retained by the 10 cricket teams combined. Notably, the teams are allowed to build a squad of a maximum of 25 players. Among the teams, Punjab Kings, last year’s runners-up, have opted for the largest number of retained players (21), while Gujarat Titans have held on to 20.


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