Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led the way in splashing cash on emerging stars, signaling their commitment to securing a strong future while preparing for another exciting IPL season.
Pathirana's previous stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) saw him play a vital role before his release after a modest IPL 2025 campaign.
The signing was made within seconds of them buying another uncapped player in the form of Prashant Veer who was bought for the same amount of money making both players the join most expensive buys.
The 20-year-old left-arm spin-bowling allrounder, was first noticed while playing for Noida Super Kings in the UP T20 League.
Cameron Green is sold to the Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping Rs 25.20 Crore making him the 3rd most expensive player in IPL auction history, first in the overseas list for the mini-auction.
Historically, all-rounders and bowlers have been the biggest earners, and this year is expected to follow the same trend.
The live telecast of the IPL 2026 players' auction will be available on Star Sports Network in India
According to a media report by Cricbuzz, the timeline for IPL Season 19 was shared during a pre-auction briefing conducted by IPL CEO Hemang Amin
Under the IPL's maximum-fee rule, an overseas player's auction fee is capped at the lower of the highest retention slab and the highest price fetched at the previous mega auction.
Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur believes Sairaj Patil could attract big bids at the IPL 2026 auction, citing his Mumbai T20 League exploits and strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy showings.
The youngsters will be keenly watched as they look to take the next step in their cricketing careers at the prestigious IPL auction.
The IPL 2026 Auction is scheduled to begin on December 16 (Tuesday), 2025. The IPL mini auction 2026 will begin at 2:30 PM IST.
Here's a look at the top five players the franchise could consider bidding for, including some exciting pace bowlers and all-rounders.
CSK will walk into the IPL 2026 auction with the second-largest purse of Rs 43.40 crore, only behind KKR
Green, despite being an all-rounder, was listed as a batter only in the earlier released IPL 2026 auction players list
While the focus will be on domestic talent, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is expected to be the headline act in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Just like every other IPL auction, batters are expected to be in high demand during the IPL 2026 players auction
The IPL 2026 mini-auction can replicate the last mini-auction result, where bowlers went for big bucks, surpassing batters and all-rounders
On December 16, IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to start at 2:30 PM IST in Abu Dhabi. All the ten IPL franchisees are set to spent around Rs 237.55 crore to fill up 77 available slots.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, Rajasthan Royals are without a captain after Sanju Samson's move to Chennai Super Kings. Riyan Parag says he is ready if asked.