Why Cameron Green can't breach INR 18 crore mark at IPL auction 2026?

IPL mini auctions have had a history of producing record-shattering moments with players registering mind-boggling paydays, and Australia's star allrounder Cameron Green might experience something similar on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Dubai.

Green is a proven performer in the IPL, having lived up to his billing previously, playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI).

Therefore, the 26-year-old is touted to become the most expensive signing at the auction. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have let go of Andre Russell and Ravindra Jadeja, and therefore would love to procure the services of Green, who could prove to be an ideal replacement.

Both KKR (INR 64.30 crore) and CSK (INR 43.40 crore) also have two of the highest purses and therefore are expected to be in a relentless race to sign Green. He was roped in by Mumbai at the 2023 auction at INR 17.5 crore - making him the second-most expensive signing then, after Sam Curran. He was traded by MI next year to RCB at the same price.

While Green is expected to shatter his own record, he wouldn't exceed the INR 18 crore mark even if a franchise bids higher than that figure. Should the bid exceed the INR 18 crore bracket, the additional sum would be pumped into player welfare by the BCCI.

Why so? It is because the IPL governing council introduced a maximum fee rule in 2024 to put an end to the mutual concern of teams that certain foreigners were only making themselves available for the mini auction to earn big and avoid the intense competition that comes with registering at the mega auction.

However, the rule does not apply to Indians, who will instead get the original bid amount, which will be deducted from the purse of the franchise.