The IPL 2026 auction fever is already in the air, and within a month, fans can expect an official date for the mini auction, which is reportedly set to take place in the UAE around the middle of next month. The auction serves as the curtain-raiser for the cash-rich Indian Premier League, which takes centre stage every summer. As always, the event will be televised live and followed passionately not just across India but around the world. Discussions have already started to heat up among fans about who might emerge as the high-priced player in IPL 2026.
3 Possible Expensive Players in IPL 2026
With the retention and release deadline set for November 15, franchises are busy finalising their strategies — identifying the players they want to retain and shortlisting targets for the upcoming auction. In this article, we take a closer look at the players who are likely to attract big bids and could become expensive players in the IPL 2026 Auction.
1. Cameron Green
The all-format Australian all-rounder, Cameron Green, is set to become the high-priced player in IPL 2026 Auction. All-rounders are the true gems of the shortest format; they bring balance, depth, and flexibility, and teams often build their core around them. Green fits that mould perfectly, able to adapt and thrive in any situation.
He has already proven his worth in the IPL, delivering impactful performances for both the Mumbai Indians (2023) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024). Across those two seasons, Green amassed 707 runs at a strike rate of 153.69 and also picked up 16 wickets at an economy of 9.07, establishing himself as a genuine match-winner.
After missing the entire IPL 2025 season due to injury, the 26-year-old is now fully fit and available for the upcoming mini-auction. During his recovery phase, Green focused heavily on improving his power-hitting, which paid off handsomely upon his return to international cricket — smashing three half-centuries in eight T20I innings since June this year.
However, a slight concern remains over his bowling fitness, as he hasn’t bowled for Australia across formats since his comeback. He recently endured a side strain, which ruled him out of the home ODI series against India. Despite that, Green has been declared fit and named in Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming Ashes against England — a sign that he’s nearing full all-round capacity. With his proven match-winning abilities, versatility, and untapped potential, Cameron Green is a strong contender to become one of the most expensive players in IPL 2026 Auction.
2. Matthew Short
A solid top-order batter, a handy off-spinner, and a gun fielder — Matthew Short brings a complete package to the table. The Australian all-rounder has already had a taste of the IPL, having represented Punjab Kings during the 2023 season. Coming in as a replacement for the injured Jonny Bairstow, Short showed glimpses of promise but couldn’t make a lasting impact, scoring 117 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 127.17, while going wicketless in his three bowling innings.
Injuries and inconsistent form kept him out of the league for the following two seasons, but the 2025 off-season has witnessed a remarkable turnaround in his fortunes. Short rediscovered his rhythm in the Major League Cricket (MLC), where he turned heads with his all-round performances for the San Francisco Unicorns, scoring 360 runs and taking six wickets in just eight matches.
With his renewed confidence, strong recent form, and proven versatility, Matthew Short has once again become a player to watch. Given his growing reputation in the shortest format, he could very well emerge as one of the high-priced players in IPL 2026 auction.
3. Heinrich Klaasen
With the IPL retention and release deadline set for November 15, rumours are spreading like wildfire that Sunrisers Hyderabad might release their high-priced player Heinrich Klaasen, who was retained last season for a massive ₹23 crore. If true, it would be one of the most surprising decisions ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. Reports suggest that the franchise is considering restructuring its squad, and releasing the South African wicketkeeper-batter would allow them to free up a significant purse to acquire multiple players at Klaasen’s price point.
🚨 NO KLASSEN IN SRH 🚨
– Sunrisers Hyderabad is likely to release Heinrich Klassen ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. (Sahil Malhotra/TOI). pic.twitter.com/CpUzmCLc6k
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) November 4, 2025
At 34 years of age, Klaasen still remains one of the most destructive T20 batters in world cricket, known for his wide range of stroke play and fearless hitting against both pace and spin. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad might be leaning towards investing in younger players as part of a long-term rebuilding plan, a move that could explain this bold decision.
Related Article：3 Teams Chasing Heinrich Klaasen’s IPL 2026 Team Spot
Statistically, Klaasen’s IPL 2025 season was nothing short of impressive. He scored 487 runs in 13 innings, finishing as SRH’s leading run-scorer and one of the most consistent middle-order batters in the tournament. Outside the IPL, though, his form dipped slightly — he managed just 142 runs in 10 innings in the Major League Cricket (MLC) this year and posted a modest 151 runs in eight innings for Manchester Originals in The Hundred 2025, striking at 112.68. If Klaasen does indeed enter the auction pool, there will be no shortage of bidders. His experience, finishing ability, and proven track record in the IPL make him a strong contender to become one of the most expensive players in IPL 2026.
Conclusion
As the countdown to the IPL 2026 Auction begins, excitement and anticipation are reaching their peak. With franchises busy restructuring their squads and finalising retentions, this year’s mini-auction promises to be as thrilling as ever. Players like Cameron Green, Matthew Short, and Heinrich Klaasen headline a talented pool that could spark intense bidding wars on auction day. One among them is almost certain to emerge as the high-priced player in IPL 2026.
