The countdown has begun for the IPL 2026 mini auction in Abu Dhabi on 16 December, and cricket fans across Bangladesh are analysing the latest developments with keen interest. From a staggering 1,390 players who initially registered, the IPL authorities have narrowed down the list to 350 cricketers eligible for the auction. Among them, seven Bangladesh players have made the final cut: Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzim Hasan, Rakibul Hasan, and Shariful Islam.
The absence of Shakib Al Hasan, initially on the preliminary list, has sparked debate among fans and experts alike. Shakib’s exclusion is unexpected given his stature as Bangladesh’s most experienced all-rounder. Analysts suggest franchise strategies and budget constraints could have influenced this decision, as IPL teams often balance star power with emerging talent in the auction.
In terms of base prices, Mustafizur Rahman remains the highest-priced Bangladeshi at 20 million INR, a testament to his consistent performance in T20 leagues worldwide. Rishad Hossain, a leg-spinning all-rounder, along with pacers Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana, and Shariful Islam, carry base prices of 7.5 million INR. Spinner Rakibul Hasan, at 3 million INR, is an intriguing inclusion. The young left-arm spinner, part of Bangladesh’s 2020 U-19 World Cup-winning squad, has impressed consistently in domestic and emerging teams but has yet to feature for the senior national side. In 69 T20 matches, he has claimed 69 wickets, highlighting his potential as a rising talent.
The auction is also attracting international stars, including South Africa’s Quinton de Kock and George Linde, and Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva. Of the 350 players, 240 are Indian, and 110 are overseas. Teams have 77 slots to fill, with 32 reserved for foreign players. The Kolkata Knight Riders have the biggest budget at 643 million INR, needing to recruit 13 players, including six internationals.
The top-tier base price list features two Indians—Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi—at 20 million INR. Others include nine players at 15 million, four at 12.5 million, 17 at 10 million, 42 at 7.5 million, four at 5 million, seven at 4 million, and 227 players at 3 million INR. Australia’s Cameron Green, registered as a batsman, is predicted to attract the highest bid in this mini auction.
Of the 240 Indian players, 224 are uncapped, while 14 overseas players are also uncapped, defined as those who haven’t played international cricket recently or been on central contracts in the past five years. This combination of emerging talent and international stars is set to make the IPL 2026 mini auction a thrilling event, with Bangladesh’s Mustafizur and Rakibul attracting particular attention.