New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a star-studded roster of players released ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mega auction, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated bidding wars in recent franchise history. Among the high-profile names entering the pool are Australia’s explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and West Indies powerhouse Andre Russell, both freed by their respective teams to spark renewed competition when the auction takes place next year.
The BCCI’s announcement, made public on Saturday, highlights a significant overhaul as franchises prepare to rebuild their squads under the IPL’s retention rules. A total of 79 capped players—42 Indians and 37 overseas—now find themselves available, alongside 23 uncapped Indian talents. This group includes several marquee performers who have been cornerstones of past campaigns but whose services were deemed expendable in the pursuit of fresh strategies.
Maxwell, the dynamic batsman and off-spinner known for his match-winning cameos, was let go by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after a mixed tenure that saw him shine in the 2023 season but falter in subsequent outings. Similarly, Russell, the hard-hitting all-rounder whose six-hitting prowess has defined IPL lore, departs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he has been a fixture since 2014. Their availability is expected to drive fierce bidding, with analysts predicting record-breaking sums for these proven T20 specialists.
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Other notable overseas releases include England’s aggressive opener Jos Buttler, released by Rajasthan Royals after captaining the side to playoff contention; South Africa’s seasoned pace bowler Kagiso Rabada, cut by Punjab Kings; and New Zealand’s versatile quick Trent Boult, who leaves Mumbai Indians. From the subcontinent, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, a leg-spin wizard, and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, the world’s premier T20 spinner, are also in the mix, having been offloaded by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, respectively.
On the Indian front, the list boasts experienced hands like former India pacer Umesh Yadav, freed by Gujarat Titans, and explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, surprisingly released by Rajasthan Royals despite his breakout potential. Young guns such as Tilak Varma (Mumbai Indians) and Rajat Patidar (RCB) join the fray, offering franchises a blend of youth and verve.
The BCCI has stipulated that each team can retain up to six players—four capped and two uncapped—before the auction, with right-to-match cards providing an additional layer of intrigue. “This auction will redefine team dynamics and inject new energy into the IPL,” a BCCI official told PTI, underscoring the league’s commitment to competitive balance.
As the December 2025 retention deadline looms, franchise officials are already poring over scouting reports. The mega auction, slated for early 2026 in a yet-to-be-confirmed venue, promises to be a spectacle, with over 500 players vying for spots in the world’s richest T20 league. For fans, it’s a tantalizing prospect: the chance to see dream lineups emerge from a pool brimming with global talent.
