With 77 total slots available across 10 teams — including several high-value overseas vacancies — the IPL 2026 auction pool is headlined by a group of proven international performers. These players offer tactical flexibility, all-round ability, pace variety or specialist roles that IPL teams typically prioritise. Based solely on profiles and roles, these are the 10 overseas names expected to draw strong attention at the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi.
1. Cameron Green – Australia (Batting All-Rounder)
Cameron Green is one of the most versatile overseas options available. A tall, hard-hitting batter capable of operating in the top four and delivering dependable seam bowling, Green solves multiple squad roles at once. His age and long-term value make him an attractive asset for any franchise building a multi-year core.
2. Liam Livingstone – England (Power-Hitter & Part-Time Spinner)
Livingstone is among the most impactful middle-order hitters in T20 cricket, particularly valued for his ability to clear boundaries from ball one. His part-time spin gives teams additional balance, making him suitable for tactical match-ups across conditions.
3. Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka (Leg-Spinning All-Rounder)
Hasaranga fits the profile of a wicket-taking middle-overs leg-spinner — a role highly prioritised in the IPL. His ability to bat at No. 7 or 8 adds depth, and his consistent impact in T20 leagues positions him as one of the premium overseas picks.
4. Rachin Ravindra – New Zealand (Top-Order Batting All-Rounder)
Rachin Ravindra has developed into a complete three-dimensional cricketer. His top-order batting, left-arm spin, and fielding versatility make him ideal for franchises seeking flexibility in both batting combinations and bowling resources.
5. Michael Bracewell – New Zealand (Spin-Bowling All-Rounder)
Bracewell brings controlled off-spin and middle-order stability. Teams in need of a calm middle-overs operator with batting depth will see him as a reliable overseas option. His multi-role ability increases squad stability in longer tournaments.
6. David Miller – South Africa (Middle-Order Finisher)
Miller continues to be associated with finishing roles in T20 cricket. His ability to target straight boundaries and control chases makes him valuable for teams seeking late-innings experience and left-handed balance in the middle order.
7. Anrich Nortje – South Africa (Express Fast Bowler)
Nortje remains one of the few genuine 150 km/h bowlers in world cricket. Teams often prioritise extreme pace for both new-ball strikes and middle-overs intimidation, and Nortje’s experience in the IPL enhances his demand.
8. Matt Henry – New Zealand (New-Ball Specialist)
For franchises that struggled in the powerplay in IPL 2025, Henry offers discipline, seam movement, and early breakthroughs. He represents a specialist skillset rather than a utility option, which many teams value for role clarity.
9. Matheesha Pathirana – Sri Lanka (Death-Overs Specialist)
Pathirana’s slinging action and yorker-heavy skillset make him one of the most recognisable death-overs specialists. With very few bowlers globally excelling specifically in the final overs, he naturally becomes a high-value auction candidate.
10. Quinton de Kock – South Africa (Wicketkeeper-Opener)
A seasoned T20 opener and wicketkeeper, de Kock offers immediate top-order impact and experience in IPL conditions. Teams needing a left-handed opener with wicketkeeping capability will consider him among the strongest overseas options.
