Why Cameron Green’s IPL 2026 auction salary is lower than his record bid of INR 25.20 crores?

The IPL 2026 auction produced one of its biggest talking points when Australian all-rounder Cameron Green attracted a staggering bid of ₹25.20 crore, making him the highest paid overseas player in the auction. The fight between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) continued for a long time until the Super Kings gave up. 

However, despite the headline-grabbing number, Green will not receive the entire ₹25.20 crore as part of his playing contract. This unexpected twist has left many fans confused, but the reason lies in the IPL’s auction regulations, particularly those governing non-mega auctions.

Unlike mega auctions, where franchises can freely set player salaries up to the purse limit, mini auctions operate under a maximum salary cap for overseas players. For IPL 2026, that ceiling stands at ₹18 crore, which is linked to the highest retention value from the previous cycle. Even if bidding crosses that mark, the player’s actual earnings cannot exceed the capped amount.

What happens to the extra money?

While Cameron Green’s contract value will be limited to ₹18 crore, the franchise still pays the full bid amount from its auction purse. The excess money does not go to the player but is redirected to BCCI's player welfare program. This rule was implemented to keep a check on the way franchises go after foreign players in mini auction..

For franchises, this rule adds a strategic layer. Spending beyond the cap weakens their remaining purse without improving the player’s salary, meaning the move must be justified purely by squad balance and long-term planning.

For Cameron Green, the situation does little to dent his value. The fierce bidding war itself signals how highly franchises rate him, and the capped salary does not reduce his importance within the team setup. Green has proven to be a wonderful performer in the IPL and will be looking forward to contributing more in the upcoming season for KKR. 

When and where to watch the IPL 2026 auction?

Cricket fans in India can watch the IPL 2026 mini auction on December 16 from 2.30 PM onwards online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: When and where to watch IPL 2026 auction live: Date, time, and streaming details