By Admin 
Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi — two of the most expensive Indian players released ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season — have entered the forthcoming player auction with the highest base price bracket of ₹2 crore.
The two are the only Indian names listed in the top category among the 1,355 registered players, which includes 1,062 Indian cricketers. The registration window closed on November 30, after which the IPL shared the provisional list with franchises.
Former Lucknow Super Giants player Ravi Bishnoi.
| Photo Credit:
FILE PHOTO: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
Venkatesh, bought for ₹23.75 crore, was released by Kolkata Knight Riders, while Bishnoi — retained last year for ₹11 crore — was let go by Lucknow Super Giants. Alongside them, 43 overseas players, including Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, have opted for the highest base price.
Cricketers from 13 countries have entered the auction pool this year, including players from Italy, who recently qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Franchises will now shortlist their preferred names, following which the final auction pool — expected to be around 350 players — will be released next week. A maximum of 77 players, including 31 overseas, can be signed during the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi.
Maxwell withdraws from IPL 2026
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell has formally withdrawn from the IPL, becoming the latest high-profile overseas player to step away after more than a decade in the league.
Glenn Maxwell formerly of Punjab Kings.
| Photo Credit:
FILE PHOTO: K. MURALI KUMAR
In a social media post, Maxwell said: “After many unforgettable seasons in IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year… The IPL has shaped me as a cricketer and a person. The memories and the passion of Indian fans will stay with me forever.”
With his decision, Maxwell joins Faf du Plessis and Andre Russell, signalling the end of an era for several long-serving overseas stars in the tournament.