Rules for foreign players (Photo: PTI)
BCCI New IPL Auction Rule: The fate of more than 350 players is at stake in the IPL 2026 auction. Of those, 110 players are foreigners, which include big names like Cameron Green, Liam Livingston, Devon Conway. But no foreign player will get more than Rs 18 crore in the auction to be held in Abu Dhabi. The reason behind this is the BCCI rule, according to which foreign players will get a maximum of Rs 18 crore only, even if bids are made for them for more than that. This means that his salary has been limited.
IPL rules for foreign players
This rule of the IPL Governing Council has come when the teams are ready to spend money on the players. Kolkata Knight Riders is entering the auction with the highest amount of Rs 64.3 crore. Whereas Chennai Super Kings has Rs 43.6 crore. It is clear that the teams have money to pay the players. But, their hands are tied by the new rule, which dictates that international players should not be paid inflated salaries.
The rule was implemented even before IPL 2025
BCCI had implemented this rule even before the mega auction of IPL 2025. And, now that rule will be applicable in IPL 2026 mini auction also. BCCI has brought these rules to ensure financial discipline and to prevent inflation arising from the difference between demand and supply in mini auctions.
Bidding was done for Rs 20 crores, yet only Rs 18 crores will be received.
In the mini auction of IPL 2026, there are many big foreign players in the category of all-rounders and bowlers on whom the franchises are eyeing. However, his availability is limited due to international schedules. Now in such a situation, if they get a huge amount then it will not be in the interest of both the franchise and the league.
After the introduction of the new rule, if a bid of Rs 20 crore is placed on a foreign player, he will get only Rs 18 crore, the remaining Rs 2 crore will go to the BCCI players’ welfare fund. However, the franchisee will have to pay only the amount that he has bid. This rule of IPL applies only to foreign players.