IPL 2026 Auction Final List Out; 350 Players Shortlisted, de Kock Returns

New Delhi: Before the IPL 2026 auction, BCCI has released the final list of players. Initially 1355 players had registered, but now it has been reduced to only 350 names. This means that about one thousand players will not be able to participate in the auction this time. This news has brought disappointment for many young players, but this is also the truth of IPL—there are fewer places and more contenders.

De Kock's return surprised everyone

The name that is being discussed the most is Quinton De Kock. This experienced South African player was included in the list at the last moment. Many franchises wanted to get a chance in the auction, and BCCI accepted their demand. De Kock is going to enter the third category at a base price of Rs 1 crore. This comeback is good news for his fans.

The dream of many players has been put on hold for the time being

Like every year, this time too thousands of players had sent their names with hope, but due to limited slots, most of them had to drop out. This is a big opportunity for many young players playing domestic cricket, but this time they will have to wait. This decision must have been heavy for the cricketers preparing in small towns and training academies.

What is special about the final list of 350 players?

Along with Indian players, many cricketers from England, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, and the West Indies are included in the final list. Now it will be a challenge for the franchises to choose the right player for their team in a limited budget. Some teams will give chances to young players, keeping the future in mind, while some may rely on experienced players.

The auction on 16th December is going to be interesting

The auction will be held on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The teams have started preparations according to their needs. Every team will be looking for players who can make an immediate impact with batting, bowling, or all-round skills.

Overall, this time the auction is small, but the excitement is not less at all. Especially after De Kock's entry, it is expected that the atmosphere of the auction will be heated from the beginning. The eyes of the fans are now completely fixed on 16th December.