The ten Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have finalized their squads for the 2026 season following a busy mini-auction, with teams taking contrasting approaches as they prepare for the new campaign.

Big-money overseas signings, bold investments in uncapped Indian players and a renewed focus on squad depth were among the key themes to emerge.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) drew the most attention after spending a large portion of their purse on two uncapped players, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, signalling a shift from their traditionally experience-driven strategy. While the additions of Akeal Hosein and Matt Henry offer tactical flexibility, questions remain over inexperience in the middle order and bowling unit.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) largely retained their core, underlining confidence in a settled squad. The return of Venkatesh Iyer at a significantly lower price strengthens their top order, while Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav add depth to the pace attack without disrupting team balance.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) adopted a more cautious approach despite having a healthy purse. Their standout buy was England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, but the exit of Mohammed Shami has left concerns over their pace resources. An inexperienced spin unit will also be tested across conditions.

Mumbai Indians (MI) entered the auction with few gaps to fill and focused on value buys. Securing Quinton de Kock at base price and adding more all-rounders has given MI flexibility, reinforcing their reputation as one of the most balanced squads in the league.

Gujarat Titans (GT) made minimal changes, with Jason Holder their most notable addition. Already well stocked in most departments, GT opted not to use their full overseas quota, backing squad continuity while still addressing depth concerns.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were the biggest spenders, headlined by the record-breaking ₹25.20 crore ($2.7 million) signing of Cameron Green. With Andre Russell transitioning into a coaching role, Green is expected to fill a major all-rounder void. KKR also strengthened their death bowling and wicketkeeping options, giving them one of the deepest squads on paper.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) focused on rebuilding their spin department, landing Ravi Bishnoi and adding two more wristspinners. The acquisition of Adam Milne bolsters their pace attack, though the lack of a proven all-rounder could be a concern.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) largely stood pat after a strong IPL 2025 campaign. Cooper Connolly was brought in to cover for Josh Inglis, while experienced bowlers provide insurance against injuries. Continuity remains their biggest strength.

Delhi Capitals (DC) assembled one of the most versatile squads, with multiple options across batting and bowling combinations. Their flexibility allows them to adapt line-ups to form and conditions, a factor that could prove decisive over a long season.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) addressed their bowling by adding Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje but still appear top-heavy in batting. Injuries and availability issues among key players may shape their season.

With squads now locked in, attention turns to on-field execution. While some teams banked on stability, others gambled on fresh talent, setting the stage for another highly competitive IPL season when the tournament begins in March next year.

Sharjah Warriorz continued their winning run in the DP World ILT20 Season 4, defeating Gulf Giants by 11 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday to make it two wins from two matches.

A composed batting effort led by Tom Abell, followed by disciplined bowling spearheaded by Matheesha Pathirana, proved decisive as the Warriorz successfully defended a total of 174/6.

Abell anchored the innings with a polished 68 off 41 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. After an early setback that saw Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles dismissed cheaply, Abell steadied the innings alongside James Rew, who contributed 39 off 33. The pair added 71 runs before Abell fell, with Dwaine Pretorius providing late impetus with a quick 28 off 13 to lift the Warriorz to a competitive total.

In reply, the Gulf Giants suffered an early collapse as Wasim Akram and Taskin Ahmed removed Pathum Nissanka and James Vince inside the powerplay. Matheesha Pathirana further dented the chase with a wicket-maiden, leaving the Giants struggling at 44/4 after six overs.

Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 26) and Moeen Ali (45 off 41) mounted a brief recovery, adding 79 runs for the fifth wicket. However, timely breakthroughs halted the momentum, with Akram breaking the partnership and Pathirana striking again in the death overs.

The Warriorz bowlers maintained pressure late in the innings, with Pathirana and Pretorius picking up key wickets to restrict the Giants to 163/9 and seal the 11-run win.

Pathirana finished with three wickets and was named Player of the Match, while stand-in captain Sikander Raza praised his bowling unit for executing plans under pressure and closing out crucial moments.

Cricket fans across Afghanistan can meanwhile tune in to Ariana Television today, Tuesday December 16, from 2pm to watch the next match, between Sharjah Warriorz and MI Emirates.

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction will take place on Tuesday, December 16, in Abu Dhabi, with franchises set to compete for 77 available slots across the ten teams ahead of the new season.

A total purse of approximately $28.6 million will be available at the auction, where teams will look to fine-tune their squads following the completion of player retentions.

With squad sizes capped at 25 players, franchises are expected to focus on filling specialised T20 roles, particularly in the bowling department, making for intense bidding battles.

Kolkata Knight Riders will enter the auction with the largest remaining purse, holding around $7.75 million, positioning them as a key influencer in how the bidding unfolds. Chennai Super Kings follow with a sizeable budget of about $5.23 million, while Sunrisers Hyderabad have roughly $3.07 million available.

Other teams’ remaining budgets include Lucknow Super Giants with approximately $2.76 million, Delhi Capitals at $2.63 million, Royal Challengers Bengaluru with $1.98 million, and Rajasthan Royals close behind at $1.93 million. Gujarat Titans will have about $1.55 million, Punjab Kings around $1.39 million, while Mumbai Indians enter the auction with the smallest purse of roughly $330,000.

The auction is expected to draw strong interest in young domestic talent alongside established international players. One of the emerging names to watch is 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Kartik Sharma, who has impressed in domestic cricket with a century on debut and a rapid 100 in the one-day format, making him a potential long-term middle-order option for franchises.

Afghanistan making its mark again

With the auction list now finalised, Afghanistan’s presence remains a key talking point, with 10 Afghan players shortlisted among the 359 names set to go under the hammer in Abu Dhabi.

Afghanistan has been one of the most impactful overseas contributors to the IPL in recent years, particularly in the spin and fast-bowling departments, and franchises are once again expected to show strong interest in Afghan talent.

Among the headline names is Mujeeb Rahman, who features in the top base-price bracket and remains one of the most sought-after mystery spinners in T20 cricket. Naveen-ul-Haq, known for his variations at the death, is another prominent Afghan name likely to attract bidding interest, especially from teams looking to strengthen their pace options.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, listed at a mid-range base price, offers explosive starts at the top of the order and wicketkeeping depth, making him a valuable multi-skill option.

The Afghan contingent also includes Fazalhaq Farooqi, whose left-arm pace and ability to swing the new ball have earned him recognition across global leagues, as well as Mohammad Waqar Salamkheil and Qais Ahmad, both proven spin options in T20 formats.

All-rounder Gulbadin Naib adds further balance with his experience and lower-order hitting, while young batting talent Sediqullah Atal represents the next generation of Afghan cricketers pushing for an IPL breakthrough.

At the other end of the spectrum is Wahidullah Zadran, the youngest player in the auction at just over 18 years old. His inclusion underlines the growing depth of Afghanistan’s cricket pipeline and the IPL’s continued role as a platform for emerging Afghan players to gain global exposure.

As franchises compete to fill the remaining 77 slots within tight purse constraints, Afghan players are once again expected to be in demand for their adaptability, value-for-money skill sets, and proven performances in pressure situations. For Afghanistan cricket, the IPL 2026 auction represents not just commercial opportunity, but another significant step in cementing the country’s influence on the global T20 stage.

The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to begin in the second half of March next year, and the Abu Dhabi auction is seen as a critical step in shaping team combinations for the campaign. Fans worldwide will be closely watching to see which franchises make the smartest moves as bidding wars and late surprises unfold.

Ariana Television Network (ATN) will broadcast the auction live across Afghanistan on Tuesday, allowing fans in the country to follow the proceedings in real time.