Full list of Sri Lankan players sold in IPL 2026 auction with prices in INR

After plenty of build-up, the IPL 2026 auction took place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16. At the mini-auction, 77 players ended up getting sold, with 29 of them being overseas cricketers. A total of ₹215.45 crore was spent by the 10 franchises combined at the auction.

On predicted lines, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green walked away with the biggest deal. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a whopping ₹25.20 crore. While Green is now the costliest overseas player in IPL history, he will be paid ₹18 crore owing to the tournament's maximum fee rule, which has been introduced for foreign cricketers.

KKR, who entered the IPL 2026 auction with a massive purse of ₹64.30 crore, also acquired the services of Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) surprised many by shelling out ₹14.2 crore each for the uncapped Indian duo of Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. Also, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) purchased England's Liam Livingstone for ₹13 crore.

List of Sri Lankan cricketers purchased at IPL 2026 auction

Only three Sri Lankan players were purchased at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. As mentioned above, KKR bought Pathirana for ₹18 crore. Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga were the only other players from the country who were picked up. Opener Nissanka was purchased by Delhi Capitals for ₹4 crore, while Hasaranga was sold to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹2 crore.

(List of Sri Lankan cricketers sold in IPL 2026 auction)

A number of Sri Lankan players went unsold at the IPL mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. The list includes Maheesh Theekshana, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage, among others.

Ahead of the auction, some Lankan players were retained by their respective franchises. Nuwan Thushara was retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). SRH retained Kamindu Mendis and Eshan Malinga, while DC retained pacer Dushmantha Chameera.

IPL 2026 is all set to be held from March 26 to May 31. This year's event will be the 19th edition of the Indian domestic T20 league. RCB are the defending champions in the competition, having won the 2025 final in Ahmedabad by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs.

Edited by Renin Wilben Albert