The IPL mini auction on December 16 is shaping up to be another blockbuster event, and Australian allrounder Cameron Green is once again at the centre of attention. Both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) hold massive remaining purses and are widely expected to launch aggressive bids for him. But a newly introduced IPL rule ensures that even if the bidding war reaches historic numbers, Green himself cannot be paid more than INR 18 crore. Below is an expanded, fully rewritten article with improved structure and new H2 sections for better readability.

Why Cameron Green Is the Most Wanted Player in the 2026 IPL Auction?

Cameron Green has become one of the most valuable allrounders in world cricket. His combination of power hitting, pace bowling, and versatility across formats makes him a rare commodity in T20 leagues.
 KKR and CSK, the two franchises with the deepest pockets this cycle, are expected to target Green aggressively. KKR have INR 64.3 crore, the highest purse, while CSK follow with INR 43.4 crore.
For both teams, Green fits a clear tactical need: a seam-bowling allrounder who strengthens both powerplay and death-overs hitting.

In 2023 and 2024, Green played 29 IPL matches and produced 707 runs at a blistering strike rate of 153.70, while contributing crucial overs with the ball. His performances at the Mumbai Indians and later at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru increased his market value, and his decision to list himself at the maximum base price of INR 2 crore indicates confidence in an expensive bidding war.

How the New ‘Maximum Fee Rule’ Caps Player Salaries at INR 18 Crore

Despite the possibility of bidding climbing above INR 20 crore, Cameron Green cannot earn more than INR 18 crore under the IPL’s new regulation.
The rule was introduced last year to control extreme disparities seen in mini auctions, where select overseas players earned disproportionately high salaries due to supply-demand imbalance.

Under the rule:

• Overseas players at mini auctions cannot receive more than INR 18 crore, regardless of bidding amounts.

• If bidding crosses INR 18 crore, the excess amount is still deducted from the franchise purse, but

• The surplus money goes to the BCCI, earmarked specifically for player welfare programmes.

This means a team could hypothetically bid INR 23 crore for Cameron Green, but Green’s personal contract fee remains capped at INR 18 crore.

In contrast, Indian players are exempt from this rule and are allowed to receive the full amount of any winning bid.

Why the Rule Was Introduced – And Why It Matters This Year?

The maximum-fee rule was brought in primarily due to fears among franchises that overseas stars were gaming the system. Many foreign players were sitting out mega auctions and registering exclusively for mini auctions, where fewer options led to inflated bidding.

The IPL clarified that:

“Any overseas player’s auction fee at small auctions will be lower than the highest retention price and highest auction price at the big auction.”

In other words, the IPL wants market inflation at mini auctions to stop dictating overseas player salaries in unhealthy ways.
This rule makes Cameron Green the first major test case of the regulation in a high-demand scenario.

Which Teams Can Actually Break the Bank for Green?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

With the largest purse and an aggressive history (Starc at INR 24.75 crore in 2023), KKR are the favourites.
Green gives them batting stability at No. 4 or No. 5 and an extra seam option alongside their domestic quicks.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK’s team structure thrives on multi-skilled players.
Green fits perfectly as a long-term replacement for their ageing allrounder core.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB traded for Green last year at INR 17.5 crore, but releasing him signals they want to re-balance their purse.
They may still try to buy him back if bidding stays within budget for the RCB.

Mini Auctions and Big Money: How We Got Here

The last mini auction shocked the cricketing world:

• Mitchell Starc – INR 24.75 crore (KKR) – Highest ever

• Pat Cummins – INR 20.5 crore (SRH)

• Sam Curran – INR 18.5 crore (PBKS)

Cameron Green himself fetched INR 17.5 crore in 2023 when MI bought him.
He is now expected to command more — even if his salary cannot exceed INR 18 crore — because the bidding amount affects team purse, not player earnings.

What Green Brings to a Franchise Beyond His Price Tag?

Cameron Green is not merely a high-value auction target — he is a long-term franchise asset. He offers:

• Top-order power hitting

• Match-up flexibility vs pace or spin

• A sixth-bowler option

• Elite fielding

• Strong temperament under pressure

In modern IPL teams, this combination commands maximum value. Green is young, fit, and has scope to grow further — exactly the profile teams invest in during long-term rebuilds.

Auction Outlook: 77 Total Slots, 31 Overseas Openings

The upcoming mini auction has:

• 77 total slots available

• 31 overseas slots open

• 16 capped Indian players shortlisted

Teams have until December 5 to send their final wishlists.
Given the supply-demand ratio, Green will undoubtedly headline the overseas category.

Conclusion

Cameron Green is primed to be the most expensive player in the 2026 IPL mini auction, fueled by interest from KKR, CSK, and possibly RCB.
But the new maximum-fee rule ensures he will not earn more than INR 18 crore personally — even if bidding surpasses INR 20 crore.
This creates a fascinating auction dynamic: teams may spend more, but players cannot exceed the capped payout.

The auction on December 16 could redefine how franchises think about value, purse management, and overseas star power.
Cameron Green, once again, stands at the centre of that conversation.