The IPL 2026 mini auction is shaping up to be a high-profile event, with Abu Dhabi set to host the proceedings on 16 December. Out of 1,390 registered players, IPL authorities have shortlisted 350 for the final auction list, and Bangladesh has seven representatives: Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzim Hasan, Rakibul Hasan, and Shariful Islam.
The most startling news is the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder, who was initially on the list. The decision has sparked debate among cricket fans, as Shakib is widely considered a game-changer. Experts suggest that auction strategies, budget constraints, and franchise preferences for younger talent could have influenced the decision.
Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman stands out among the final list with a maximum base price of 20 million INR. Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana, and Shariful Islam all have base prices of 7.5 million INR, reflecting the franchises’ interest in their T20 capabilities. Rakibul Hasan, with a base price of 3 million INR, is a surprise selection. The left-arm spinner from the 2020 U-19 World Cup-winning squad has consistently played for Bangladesh’s Emerging and ‘A’ teams and performed well domestically, including 69 wickets in 69 T20s with a best of 3/7 and an economy of 6.90.
Alongside Bangladeshi talent, the auction will feature international stars like South Africa’s Quinton de Kock and George Linde, and Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva. In total, the final list comprises 240 Indian players and 110 international players. Of the 77 slots up for grabs, 32 are reserved for foreign players. The Kolkata Knight Riders have the largest budget allocation at 643 million INR, requiring them to recruit 13 players, six of whom must be overseas.
The highest base price players include two Indians at 20 million INR—Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi. Nine players are priced at 15 million INR, four at 12.5 million, 17 at 10 million, 42 at 7.5 million, four at 5 million, seven at 4 million, and 227 at 3 million INR. Analysts expect Australia’s all-rounder Cameron Green to attract significant attention, with franchises potentially competing for his signature.
Of note, 224 of the Indian players and 14 overseas players are classified as uncapped, meaning they have either never played internationally or have been absent from central contracts for the past five years. With such a mix of emerging stars, international talent, and strategic franchise picks, the IPL 2026 mini auction promises excitement, high stakes, and plenty of surprises, particularly for Bangladeshi fans watching Mustafizur and Rakibul.