Many top players from around the globe will be up for grabs in the IPL 2026 auction slated to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. In the one-day event taking place outside India for the third year in a row, apart from many high-profile Indian and overseas players, many players are expected to earn their maiden IPL contract after impressive performances in domestic and international cricket. Here’s a look:
Jamie Smith (England): England’s wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith has played 97 T20 matches so far and amassed a total of 1687 runs. He impressed with his batting performances in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which is why there’s a high possibility that he will secure a maiden IPL deal this time. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Aquib Nabi (India): Jammu and Kashmir’s Auqib Nabi has dismissed 43 batters in 34 T20 matches played so far. He has made a lot of headlines with his performance in domestic cricket, and in all likelihood he will earn an IPL contract this time around. (Picture Credit: PTI)
Jacob Duffy (New Zealand): Former world No. 1 T20I bowler Jacob Duffy has also entered his name in the IPL 2026 auction. Duffy has 178 wickets to his name in 156 T20 matches. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka): Pathum Nissanka is Sri Lanka’s highest run getter in T20Is, and he also impressed with his performance in the Asia Cup, where he scored a century against India in Dubai on September 26. (Picture Credit: AFP)
George Linde (South Africa): George Linde has made a big name for himself in T20 leagues around the world as a spinner who can also play impactful cameos with the bat. In 229 T20 matches played so far, the 34-year-old cricketer has scored 2520 runs and picked up 202 wickets. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Cooper Connolly (Australia): Australia all-rounder Cooper Connolly has slammed 646 runs and picked up 13 wickets in 35 T20 matches played so far. He is a proven performer with both bat and ball and can be a long-term investment for any IPL team. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Eden Apple Tom (India): 20-year-old Eden Apple Tom impressed with his performance in Ranji Trophy last season. He is expected to be picked by some IPL side this year. (Picture Credit: PTI)
Nahid Rana (Bangladesh): Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana is one of the best young pacers of present times. The 23-year-old has dismissed 18 batters in 22 T20 matches played so far. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Kartik Sharma (India): Rajasthan’s Kartik Sharma has hammered 334 runs in 12 T20 matches played so far. The 19-year-old stumper has made headlines for his attacking batting and is likely to secure his maiden IPL contract. (Picture Credit: Instagram)
Salil Arora (India): Punjab’s wicketkeeper-batter Salil Arora slammed a century in 39 balls against Jharkhand in SMAT 2025 match on December 12 to attract franchise’s attention. The 23-year-old has 267 runs to his credit in seven T20 matches played so far. (Picture Credit: Screengrab)