IPL Auction 2026: Overseas players who could trigger the biggest bids

The 2026 IPL auction will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, with the 10 franchises competing for 77 available slots. With squads capped at 25, the auction is set to spark aggressive bidding for specialised T20 roles, especially with overseas players likely to dominate attention.

Who are the overseas players expected to get big bids in IPL 2026 Auction?

Cameron Green

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is expected to be one of the biggest attractions at the IPL 2026 auction. He has already built a strong IPL resume, scoring 707 runs at a strike rate of 153.69 across his two seasons with Mumbai Indians in 2023 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024. He also has 16 wickets with his right-arm pace.

The 26-year-old, who missed the 2025 season due to injury, has listed himself as a batter for the auction and will feature in Set 1. That early placement, combined with a full purse for all franchises, could push teams into a record bid for Green.

Jake Fraser-McGurk

Another Australian who could draw serious interest is opening batter Jake Fraser-McGurk. The 23-year-old made a blistering entry into the IPL in 2024, scoring 330 runs at a strike rate of 234.04. His form dipped the following season, when he managed only 55 runs from six games in 2025.

Even so, Fraser-McGurk remains a tempting option for teams seeking an explosive PowerPlay hitter. His ceiling is high, and franchises that value raw tempo may still view him as a worthwhile investment.

Matt Henry

New Zealand’s Matt Henry is expected to become the most in-demand pacer in IPL 2026 auction.

The Kiwi quick is known for his consistent line and length and can be a slippery customer, particularly with the new ball. Though his T20 economy is slightly on the higher side (8.22), his average (22.74) is reflective of his wicket-taking abilities.

IPL teams requiring a PowerPlay operator are likely to zero in on Henry, who has had only two brief stints in the tournament – with Punjab Kings in 2017 and Lucknow Super Giants in 2024 – playing just six games in total.

Liam Livingstone

English all-rounder Liam Livingstone is another all-rounder who could bag a fat paycheck from the IPL 2026 auction.

Livingstone, an experienced presence in T20 leagues worldwide, is known for his explosive hitting. With a career T20 strike rate of 145.06, he remains an appealing option for IPL teams looking for a finisher who can change a game in a handful of balls.

The 32-year-old, who was part of RCB’s title-winning side in 2025, is also a more-than-handy spinner. He has the ability to turn the ball either way, often providing his teams with a reliable in the option in the middle overs.

Matheesha Pathirana

Though his form has tailed off in recent years, Matheesha Pathirana could still attract significant attention from the teams at the IPL 2026 auction.

The Sri Lankan pacer, with his unique slingy action, played a crucial role in Chennai Super King’s title win in 2023, taking 19 wickets, while going at just eight-runs per over.

Pathirana struggled in IPL 2025, gathering just 13 wickets as his economy ballooned to 10.13.

But the 22-year-old has age on his side, and franchises may view him as a long-term investment. Death-overs specialists remain scarce in the IPL, which strengthens his appeal despite the rough edges in his game.

Published on Dec 11, 2025