The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The player auction for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, in Abu Dhabi, with a total budget of approximately $28.6 million allocated for teams to select players.
A final list of 359 players has been announced for the auction,
including 10 Afghan cricketers. Teams will compete to select a total of 77
players, with each franchise allowed a maximum squad of 25, some of whom have
been retained from previous seasons.
The Kolkata Knight Riders have the highest budget at around $7.75
million, followed by Chennai Super Kings with $5.23 million, and Sunrisers
Hyderabad at $3.07 million. Budgets for other teams include Lucknow Super
Giants ($2.76 million), Delhi Capitals ($2.63 million), Royal Challengers
Bangalore ($1.98 million), Rajasthan Royals ($1.93 million), Gujarat Titans
($1.55 million), Punjab Kings ($1.39 million), and Mumbai Indians ($330,000).
The Afghan players on the auction list include spin bowler
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, renowned for his effectiveness in T20 cricket; all-rounder
Gulbadin Naib; fast bowlers Fazal Haq Farooqi, Mohammad Waqar Salamkhel, and
Qais Ahmad; and young talents such as Wahidullah Zadran, the youngest at 18,
and Sediqullah Atal. Another notable player is Novin-ul-Haq, known for his
late-game bowling changes, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, recognized for his powerful
opening batting.
The auction is expected to attract significant attention
from franchises seeking to bolster both domestic talent and experienced
international players. The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to start in the second
half of March, with the Abu Dhabi auction serving as a key step in shaping team
rosters. Ariana Television will broadcast the event live across Afghanistan.
