IPL Auction 2026 is very close. The auction is scheduled to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. A total of 359 players have been shortlisted for the auction.
Over 1300 players had registered for the auction before the list was shortened. A maximum of 77 players, including 31 foreign players, can be sold in the auction. So as the cricket world gears up for another IPL auction, we take a look at some players who could become IPL fans’ favorites in the next season.
Also read: IPL 2026: These players may participate in their last IPL auction
IPL Auction 2026: Foreign players who can become IPL fans’ favorites
Mathisha Pathirana:
Mathisha Pathirana is one of the biggest attractions in this year’s IPL auction. The right-arm fast bowler has been unexpectedly released by Chennai Super Kings and it is expected that there will be a bidding war for him in the IPL auction. Although he has battled injuries throughout his career, not many would argue against his talent.
Pathirana’s bowling looks suitable for T20 cricket and if he manages to live up to the expectations, he could become a fan favourite. The Sri Lankan star has played 32 matches in the IPL so far and has taken 47 wickets. He is known for his deadly yorkers and can prove to be vital for any team.
Cameron Green:
Australia star Cameron Green is being backed by many to become the most expensive player in this year’s IPL auction. All-rounders have always fetched big bucks in the IPL auction and Green could hit the jackpot this year. Although he is an all-rounder, he has registered himself as a batsman for the auction in the very first round.
Green has played in two IPL seasons and has the potential to become a fans’ favorite thanks to his all-round skills. The Australian all-rounder has already scored a century in the IPL and will be eager to prove himself in the tournament.
Jake Fraser-McGurk:
Things haven’t been good for Jake Fraser-McGurk in recent months, but there’s absolutely no denying that he can blow away any team on his day. He made his IPL debut in 2024 and made a splash. The right-handed batsman played 9 matches in his debut season and scored 330 runs at a tremendous strike rate of 234.
He also scored four half-centuries. However, he failed to perform well with the bat in IPL 2025 and was released by Delhi Capitals. Fraser-McGurk has registered for this year’s IPL auction and is hoping to attract some bids. His aggressive style of batting can definitely make him a fan favourite.
