Abu Dhabi, December 9, 2025: The upcoming IPL 2026 auction has taken a dramatic turn with the surprise inclusion of South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who recently reversed his international retirement.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that de Kock was added to the final list of 350 players after a franchise personally requested his name.
Key Auction Details
- Date & Venue: December 16, 2025, at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
- Final List: 350 players (after BCCI removed 1,005 names from the longlist)
- New Additions: 35 players, including overseas stars and domestic talents
- Base Price: Quinton de Kock set at ₹1 crore, down from ₹2 crore in the previous mega auction
Overseas Inclusions
Apart from de Kock, several international names have been added:
- Sri Lanka: Traveen Mathew, Binura Fernando, Kusal Perera, Dunith Wellalage
- Afghanistan: Arab Gul
- West Indies: Akeem Auguste
- England & South Africa: Miles Hammond, Dan Lategan, Connor Eztherhuizen, George Linde, Bayanda Majola
Domestic Talents
The BCCI also included 25 Indian players who had not registered earlier. Names like Vishnu Solanki, Parikshit Valsangkar, Sadek Hussain, Izaz Sawariya, and Aman Shekawat will now feature in the auction pool, giving franchises fresh options for uncapped talent.
Auction Format
The bidding will begin with capped players in order of specialization—batters, all-rounders, wicketkeeper-batters, fast bowlers, and spinners. Uncapped players will follow the same sequence.
Accelerated rounds will then allow franchises to re-nominate unsold players for a second chance.
Spotlight on De Kock
De Kock’s comeback is expected to be one of the biggest talking points. His recent century against India in Vizag showcased his form and may have influenced his decision to return.
With a reduced base price, multiple franchises are likely to bid aggressively for the experienced opener.
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