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As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is one of the most coveted players, with several teams like KKR and CSK reportedly preparing to engage in a bidding war for the 26-year-old. With his explosive batting and handy bowling skills, Green’s price could exceed Rs. 18 Crore.
Why Cameron Green will command a high price at IPL 2026 Auction
Cameron Green is widely expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, scheduled for December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), both of which have large purses, are expected to lead the charge for Green’s signature. His all-around ability makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket, especially with KKR needing a replacement for Andre Russell and CSK looking to add more firepower in their foreign player contingent.
In the previous mini-auction, foreign players like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins fetched record amounts. Green’s performance in the 2023 auction, where he was bought by Mumbai Indians (MI) for Rs. 17.5 Crore, further adds to his market value, and many predict that his price could easily cross the Rs. 20 Crore mark. However, there’s a catch: no matter the bidding war, Green’s final price cannot exceed Rs. 18 Crore, thanks to a new IPL policy.
Reasons why Cameron Green’s IPL 2026 auction price is unlikely to cross Rs. 18 crore
However, due to a new IPL rule introduced last year, Green cannot be sold for more than Rs. 18 Crore, no matter how high the bids go. The rule in question was introduced by the IPL to ensure fairness in the auction process and to address concerns about overseas players registering only for mini-auctions to secure inflated bids. According to the rule, the maximum salary for any overseas player in a mini-auction is capped at the highest retention price or auction price for an Indian player from the previous mega-auction.
In IPL 2025, the highest retention amount for an Indian player was Rs. 18 Crore. As a result, no foreign player in the mini-auction, including Green, can be paid more than this amount, regardless of the final bid. This rule aims to curb the tendency of overseas players opting out of mega-auctions for the higher payouts typically seen in mini-auctions. If Green’s bid exceeds Rs. 18 Crore, the excess amount will not go to him. Instead, it will be diverted to the BCCI for player welfare. This ensures that while Green can still fetch a high price, his earnings remain capped at Rs. 18 Crore.
Also READ: 5 franchises that can target Cameron Green in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
IPL 2026 Auction: How the cap affects teams and Green’s earnings
While this cap limits Green’s direct earnings, it also impacts the bidding strategy of franchises. If a team bids more than Rs. 18 Crore, they will still have to bear the entire cost, but the amount beyond Rs. 18 Crore will be deducted from their auction purse, with the extra funds allocated to player welfare.
This new rule, introduced to ensure a more level playing field in the mini-auction, has certainly stirred the auction dynamics. Teams can still aggressively pursue high-profile overseas players like Green, but their spending will be limited by the cap, ensuring that the funds are used more equitably across all franchises.
Despite the rule that caps his earnings at Rs. 18 Crore, Green’s IPL 2026 auction is still likely to be one of the most talked-about events of the season. Given the demand for foreign all-rounders and the competitive nature of IPL mini-auctions, his final price will likely hover near the upper limit. However, even if bidding crosses the Rs. 18 Crore mark, Green will only pocket that capped amount, with the excess going to the BCCI for the benefit of the players’ welfare. This ensures a unique dynamic in the upcoming IPL auction that balances team finances with the well-being of players.
