The excitement ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction intensified as Star Sports conducted a high-profile mock auction, giving fans and franchises a glimpse of what bidding wars might look like in Abu Dhabi next month. The simulation produced several surprises, headline-grabbing price tags, and a clear indication of which players could dominate the real auction.
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green stole the spotlight, becoming the mock auction’s most expensive pick at a staggering ₹30.5 crore, with Kolkata Knight Riders—represented by former India batter Robin Uthappa—outbidding all competitors to secure him. Green’s versatility, power-hitting ability, and effective seam bowling made him the marquee attraction, reaffirming his status as one of world cricket’s most valuable T20 assets.
KKR further strengthened their attack by picking Sri Lankan fast-bowling sensation Matheesha Pathirana for ₹13 crore, signalling their intent to rebuild a lethal pace unit ahead of the 2026 season.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led in the mock auction by Suresh Raina, stunned many with a bold ₹10 crore purchase of Indian leg-spinner Rahul Chahar—a move that highlighted CSK’s emphasis on spin depth following recent squad transitions. The franchise also invested heavily in pace, securing South Africa’s Anrich Nortje for ₹7.5 crore, and added domestic batting backup by buying Sarfaraz Khan for ₹7 crore.
Another major highlight was England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who drew the second-highest price of the event. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), represented by Irfan Pathan, snapped him up for ₹19 crore, banking on his explosive middle-order batting and part-time spin.
The mock auction, though only a simulation, offered valuable insights into how franchises may strategise in the real event. Teams appeared willing to spend big on high-impact all-rounders, death-bowlers, and proven T20 power-hitters—categories that remain in short supply but high demand.
With the official IPL 2026 auction approaching, the mock results have already sparked debates among fans, analysts, and former players about which picks might translate into real bids and which surprise moves could reshape team compositions.
One thing is clear: if the mock auction is anything to go by, the upcoming IPL 2026 auction could be one of the most unpredictable and expensive in tournament history.
