Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, the maximum fee rule for IPL overseas players was introduced by the governing council. The move was in response to the franchises raising objections about the common trend of the players in recent years. The high-profile foreign players had begun skipping mega auctions and often reappeared at the mini-auction. In this way, they were able to drive their value to exorbitant prices, as the event lacked enough quality players in all departments. Let’s take a detailed look at why the rule for IPL overseas players has been imposed for the upcoming season.
Related Article：IPL 2026 Auction Sold Players List：Who Made The Biggest Splash?
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Why 18 Crore Salary Cap in IPL for Overseas Players?
The maximum fee rule for IPL overseas players caps the earnings at the lower of the two pointers:
2) Highest winning bid at previous major auction.
For the IPL 2026 auction, the overseas players were capped at INR 18 crore. This is due to Rishabh Pant emerging as the most expensive pick in the IPL 2025 auction, drawing INR 27 crore from Lucknow Super Giants. The intent behind the move was to stop mini-auctions from becoming a distorted market, where the players used purse mismatches between franchises to their advantage.
According to reports, the franchises were unhappy with the foreign players demanding inflated prices in the mini-auction. The concerns resulted in the BCCI acting proactively to safeguard the franchise’s interests. They imposed a new rule of banning the overseas players for two years if they withdraw from the season after getting bought in the auction. However, the action will not be taken if the player sustains an injury or is not allowed by their home boards. Moreover, the players had to register their names for the mega auction if they wanted to participate in the mini-auction. For example, England batter Harry Brook was banned by the IPL for pulling out of the 2025 season after he was picked by the Delhi Capitals.
What Happens If Players’ Bids Cross INR 18 Crore?
With the maximum fee rule of INR 18 crore, the question arises of what happens if a player’s bid goes beyond the ceiling. The overseas players will not receive more than 18 crore in their contractual agreement, irrespective of their bid amount. The rest of the amount will be credited to the BCCI for player welfare programmes. It generally deals with the monthly pension amounts and medical support to the former cricketers and umpires. However, the full amount will be debited from the franchise’s purse,, and the bid will be listed officially in the record books.
Benefits of The Salary Cap in IPL for Overseas Players
The maximum cap rule has certainly brought a major change in the auction landscape for the overseas players. The elite all-rounders, batters, and bowlers from foreign countries have so much upside potential, but their earnings are now capped at INR 18 crore.
However, the salary cap in IPL is a beneficial move for the tournament to have balanced squads of all franchises and entertaining games for the fans. With a rule for IPL overseas players in place, the franchises will get smarter at splurging money to fill their gaps and find strong team combinations. The development also helps in justifying the highest retention slab of INR 18 crore available for the franchises. It will contain the demand-supply imbalance evident in the mini-auction, where only a few quality players stand a chance to earn a handsome amount.
Related Article：IPL 2026 Auction：Cameron Green to KKR Becomes the Most Expensive Overseas Player in IP
The ‘Expensive’ journey of Cameron Green in IPL.#CameronGreen #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/I3npAR8P1g
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) December 16, 2025
On December 16, Cameron Green was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping amount of INR 25.2 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. However, as per the new rule, he would only walk away with INR 18 crore, and the rest of the amount will be credited to the BCCI’s coffers.
Surreal 🫣
INR 24.75 Crore 💰#KKR fans, make way for Mitchell Starc who’s ready to bowl in 💜💛#IPLAuction | #IPL pic.twitter.com/E6dfoTngte
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 19, 2023
Notably, Mitchell Starc will remain the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. He was bought at INR 24.75 crore by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 mini-auction. In 14 games, Starc secured 17 wickets at an economy of 10.61. Although his economy is on the higher side, the Australian was sensational in the playoffs with five wickets, which helped the Knight Riders to win their third title.
