As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction approaches on 16 December, ten franchises are set to compete for 77 available players, including 31 slots for foreign players. Ahead of the auction, franchises have retained 173 players, but in a surprising turn, several high-profile cricketers will not feature in this year’s auction, either by personal choice or because their respective teams have released them.
Here, we take a closer look at five prominent names missing from the IPL auction list:
1. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
The dynamic Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell confirmed via Instagram that he will not participate in this year’s auction. Previously, the Punjab Kings released him, having bought him for ₹4.25 crore in an earlier auction. Maxwell has played 13 IPL seasons across four different franchises, establishing himself as one of the most explosive T20 batsmen in the league’s history.
2. Faf du Plessis (South Africa)
The former South African captain has also opted out of the auction. After being released by Delhi Capitals, du Plessis has decided to focus on playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead. Over 13 IPL seasons, he has appeared in 154 matches, representing four different franchises, and has been praised for his tactical acumen and calm leadership in pressure situations.
3. Other Notable Names
Alongside Maxwell and du Plessis, several other players of international repute have been released or withdrawn, signalling a significant reshuffle ahead of IPL 2026. While the franchises aim to refresh their squads, fans will miss seeing these star players in action. Details regarding the remaining three cricketers are expected to emerge closer to the auction, highlighting the evolving strategy of teams prioritising younger talent and cost-effective acquisitions.
| Player | Nationality | IPL Seasons | Matches Played | Previous Franchise | Auction Status 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn Maxwell | Australia | 13 | – | Punjab Kings & 3 others | Not participating |
| Faf du Plessis | South Africa | 13 | 154 | Delhi Capitals & 3 others | Withdrawn, focusing on PSL |
| TBD | – | – | – | – | – |
| TBD | – | – | – | – | – |
| TBD | – | – | – | – | – |
This development reflects a changing landscape in the IPL, where teams balance retaining star power with financial prudence and strategic squad building. While the absence of these marquee players may disappoint fans, it also opens the door for emerging talents to shine on one of the world’s biggest T20 stages.