IPL 2026 Auction LIVE Updates: Green goes to KKR at 25.20 Cr; Iyer to RCB at 7 Cr; Bairstow, Shaw unsold
KKR made headlines by acquiring Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for ₹25.2 crore, making him the third most expensive player in auction history. RCB secured Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore.
Last Updated: 03.41 PM, Dec 16, 2025
The IPL 2026 mini-auction at Etihad Arena exploded with blockbuster deals and shocking surprises as franchises reshaped their squads. Kolkata Knight Riders stole the spotlight, splashing ₹25.2 crore on Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, making him the third most expensive player in auction history. The frenzy continued with Royal Challengers Bengaluru securing Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore and Mumbai Indians reuniting with Quinton de Kock at a bargain ₹1 crore.
Where to watch and follow live
Cricket fans in India can watch the IPL 2026 auction on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.
Green becomes the third most expensive player in auction history
From the opening bids, the auction showcased high drama across 359 players, 246 Indians and 113 overseas, including 230 uncapped Indians and 15 uncapped overseas talents.
Green, with his explosive batting and seam bowling, triggered a bidding war among the Mumbai Indians, KKR, and Chennai Super Kings. MI started strong, but KKR and CSK drove the price past ₹16 crore before CSK folded, handing KKR their marquee signing and signalling bold ambitions for the 2024 champions at a whopping price of 25.20 Cr INR, which made him the third most expensive player of auction history.
RCB got Iyer at 7 Cr
RCB wasted no time addressing their middle-order needs, outbidding Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, and KKR to land former KKR star Venkatesh Iyer at ₹7 crore. The all-rounder's versatility – powerful hitting and left-arm spin – fits perfectly into RCB's rebuild. LSG responded swiftly by grabbing Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, bolstering their spin attack.
QDK back with MI
Mumbai Indians added nostalgia and firepower by bringing back Quinton de Kock at his base price of ₹1 crore. The South African opener, a proven IPL performer, provides stability at the top.
No bids for Jamie Smith and Bairstow
KKR doubled down on their wicketkeeping options by securing New Zealand's Finn Allen, while Delhi Capitals smartly picked English opener Ben Duckett at ₹2 crore and veteran finisher David Miller at his ₹2 crore base.
Shaw and Conway were unsold
The session wasn't without stunners. High-profile names like Jake Fraser-McGurk, Prithvi Shaw (₹75 lakhs base), Devon Conway (₹2 crore), Rachin Ravindra, Liam Livingstone (₹2 crore), Gus Atkinson (₹2 crore), Wiaan Mulder (₹1 crore), Sarfaraz Khan, Deepak Hooda (₹75 lakhs), Jonny Bairstow, Jamie Smith (₹2 crore), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and KS Bharat all went unsold, leaving fans and pundits reeling. Shaw's release raised questions about his T20 form, while Bairstow's snub shocked given his pedigree.