The IPL 2026 auction is set to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, and all 10 franchises have released their lists of retained and released players. This time, a total of 77 players will be up for auction, including 31 overseas players, but several big names will be conspicuously absent from this auction.
Sports News: The mega auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. A total of 1355 players will participate in this auction, including 31 overseas players. However, this year, the names of several prominent and renowned cricketers will not appear on the auction list, making this auction distinct and challenging for both fans and franchises.
Franchises have already released their lists of retained and released players. A total of 77 players will be auctioned, but many big names will not be seen in this league this time. Several of these players have retired, while some have prioritized other leagues. Let's find out about the big names who will not appear in the IPL 2026 auction this time.
1. Glenn Maxwell
Australia's star all-rounder, Glenn Maxwell, has withdrawn his name from this year's IPL auction. Maxwell began his IPL career in 2012 with the Delhi franchise. In last year's mega auction, he was bought by Punjab Kings, but this time, he did not participate in the auction after not being retained. This marks the first time Maxwell will not be seen on the IPL field.
2. Faf du Plessis
Former South African captain and experienced batsman Faf du Plessis has also not participated in this year's auction. Faf was a long-time member of Chennai Super Kings, winning IPL titles for the team in 2018 and 2021. From 2022 to 2024, he also captained Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Last season, Faf played for Delhi Capitals, but this time he prioritized the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
3. Moeen Ali
England all-rounder Moeen Ali is also out of the IPL auction this time. Moeen played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, but he withdrew his name from the auction this time and decided to play in the PSL. His absence will be felt by franchises due to the scarcity of overseas all-rounders.
4. Mohit Sharma
Indian fast bowler Mohit Sharma recently announced his retirement. Mohit began his IPL career in 2013 with Chennai Super Kings and has since played for franchises like Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans. Last year, he played for Delhi Capitals, but the franchise released him.
5. Andre Russell
West Indies' explosive all-rounder Andre Russell will also not play in IPL 2026 this time. He won IPL titles with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 and 2024. Russell has retired from the IPL, but he will remain with the team as Kolkata Knight Riders' power coach.
6. Ravichandran Ashwin
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also announced his retirement from IPL and international cricket. Ashwin was a long-time member of Chennai Super Kings and also captained Punjab Kings in the IPL. Ashwin's career began in 2008, and he was one of the earliest and most experienced players in the IPL.
With these big names absent, strategizing for the IPL 2026 auction has become challenging for franchises. To compensate for the lack of overseas and experienced all-rounders, teams will focus on new and emerging players.
