Shreyas Iyer expected at IPL 2026 auction; Ponting to give it a miss

The IPL auction on December 16 may be a mini event, but it could feature unexpected star power. Shreyas Iyer, currently sidelined with a spleen injury, is expected to lead the Punjab Kings delegation in Abu Dhabi.

December 10 was the deadline for franchises to inform the BCCI about their representatives for the auction. BCCI sources indicate Punjab Kings have included their skipper's name in the list. A maximum of eight team members can be present inside the auction hall, with an additional six permitted outside.

Sources say Iyer is expected to be in Abu Dhabi, barring any last-minute change. Iyer, whose leadership guided the side to the final last season, has been out of action since the ODI series in Australia last month.

However, Ricky Ponting is unlikely to make the trip. The franchise head coach is currently contracted with the Seven Network in Australia for Ashes commentary, with the third Test beginning on December 17 in Adelaide. Punjab Kings have limited transactions to conduct anyway; they have INR 11.5 crore left and can acquire, at most, four players, including two overseas signings.

Vettori to take break from Ashes duty

Daniel Vettori, however, will be present at the auction despite his Ashes commitments. The Australia assistant coach has sought permission from Cricket Australia to travel to Abu Dhabi in the middle of the five-Test series. A CA spokesperson said the arrangement would be similar to last year, when he attended the auction in Jeddah during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Among other big names from Australia, the LSG table will have Justin Langer and Tom Moody, the head coach and the franchise's global director of cricket.

MI most valuable franchise

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians have been ranked as the most valuable IPL franchise. According to the Brand Finance Annual Report, the five-time champions are valued at USD 108 million. Royal Challengers Bengaluru follow at USD 105 million, with Chennai Super Kings in third at USD 93 million.

Kolkata Knight Riders (USD 74 million), Gujarat Titans (USD 70 million), Punjab Kings (USD 66 million), Lucknow Super Giants (USD 59 million), Delhi Capitals (USD 59 million), SunRisers Hyderabad (USD 56 million) and Rajasthan Royals (USD 53 million) are the other franchises in that order.