The IPL 2026 mega auction in Dubai turned into a spending spectacle as franchises splurged a combined Rs 1,240 crore over two days, shattering all previous records. Mumbai Indians led the spending with Rs 180 crore, primarily acquiring Australian allrounder Mitchell Starc for Rs 28.5 crore, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson for Rs 22 crore, and uncapped Indian seamer Anshul Kamboj for a surprise Rs 14.75 crore. The five-time champions were looking to rebuild after finishing seventh in IPL 2025.
Chennai Super Kings secured the biggest individual deal of the auction as South African batter Tristan Stubbs went for Rs 31.4 crore. Rising Pune Supergiants, the newest franchise, were aggressive buyers, spending Rs 165 crore including Rs 41 crore on Shreyas Iyer. The auction also saw a bidding war for 19-year-old domestic sensation Priyansh Arya who went for Rs 18.5 crore to Delhi Capitals after 22 rounds of bidding. Total prize money across the tournament was also increased to Rs 700 crore.