IPL 2026 new rule: BCCI introduces ₹18 crore cap for overseas players in mini-auction shake-up
The Ipl 2026 new rule has officially changed how franchises will approach the upcoming mini-auction, with the BCCI introducing a landmark ₹18 crore earning cap specifically for overseas players. This decision has already sparked huge debate across fan circles and cricket analysts.
Here’s a complete breakdown of what the new rule means and why it matters.
Overseas players can’t earn more than ₹18 crore
The Ipl 2026 new rule ensures that no overseas player can personally take home more than ₹18 crore, which is the same as the top Indian retention slab.
This means:
- Even if a franchise buys an overseas player for ₹21 crore,
- The player will still receive ₹18 crore maximum,
- And the extra ₹3 crore goes directly to the BCCI, not the player.
This additional amount will be used for player development and welfare programs, as officially proposed.
Franchises still pay the full bid amount
A major twist in the Ipl 2026 new rule:
- If a team bids above ₹18 crore,
- Their purse deduction will still be the full bid (₹21 crore in the example).
This keeps the auction competitive while preventing inflation of overseas salaries.
Also Read:https://cric2day.com/ipl-2026-dark-horse/
Why the new rule exists
The BCCI introduced the Ipl 2026 new rule to:
- Ensure Indian players remain the highest earners in the tournament
- Prevent mini-auctions from escalating into extreme bidding wars
- Maintain a salary balance between local and overseas cricketers
In recent seasons, overseas players were expected to cross the ₹20–25 crore mark consistently — this rule stops that trend.
Unlimited Retentions for 2026
Another major update:
- Franchises now have no limit on retentions,
- As long as they maintain the squad size of 25
- And remain within the ₹120 crore total purse cap
This puts more strategy and flexibility into team-building for IPL 2026.
Raised Base Prices
The base prices for both capped and uncapped players have been increased to reflect market value and rising demand in the IPL ecosystem.
New No-Show Penalty (2-Year Ban)
Under the Ipl 2026 new rule, any player who:
- Registers for the auction
- Gets picked
- But later withdraws before the season
Will face a two-season ban from both the IPL and future auctions.
This rule aims to maintain tournament integrity and avoid last-minute franchise disruptions.
Trade Window Gets More Power
The IPL trade window remains active and is more flexible than before:
- Cash trades allowed
- Player swaps permitted
- Recent example: Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson trade discussions
This window now plays a massive role in shaping squad combinations before the mini-auction.
What it means for IPL 2026
The Ipl 2026 new rule is expected to:
- Make mini-auctions more controlled
- Push teams towards smarter spending
- Reduce overseas salary inflation
- Increase the importance of Indian core players
- Create more balance across franchises
Fans can expect a more tactical, high-stakes IPL 2026 mini-auction like never before.