IPL Auction | Venkatesh, Bishnoi opt for the highest base price

Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi — 2 of the astir costly Indian players released up of the 2026 Indian Premier League play — person entered the forthcoming subordinate auction with the highest basal terms bracket of ₹2 crore.

The 2 are the lone Indian names listed successful the apical class among the 1,355 registered players, which includes 1,062 Indian cricketers. The registration model closed connected November 30, aft which the IPL shared the provisional database with franchises.

Venkatesh, bought for ₹23.75 crore, was released by Kolkata Knight Riders, portion Bishnoi — retained past twelvemonth for ₹11 crore — was fto spell by Lucknow Super Giants. Alongside them, 43 overseas players, including Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, person opted for the highest basal price.

Cricketers from 13 countries person entered the auction excavation this year, including players from Italy, who precocious qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Franchises volition present shortlist their preferred names, pursuing which the last auction excavation — expected to beryllium astir 350 players — volition beryllium released adjacent week. A maximum of 77 players, including 31 overseas, tin beryllium signed during the December 16 auction successful Abu Dhabi.

Maxwell withdraws from IPL 2026

Australia’s Glenn Maxwell has formally withdrawn from the IPL, becoming the latest high-profile overseas subordinate to measurement distant aft much than a decennary successful the league.

In a societal media post, Maxwell said: “After galore unforgettable seasons successful IPL, I’ve decided not to enactment my sanction into the auction this year… The IPL has shaped maine arsenic a cricketer and a person. The memories and the passionateness of Indian fans volition enactment with maine forever.”

With his decision, Maxwell joins Faf du Plessis and Andre Russell, signalling the extremity of an epoch for respective long-serving overseas stars successful the tournament.