With the IPL 2026 auction set to unfold in Abu Dhabi, one of the hottest names in the pool has already sparked intrigue — not for a contract twist, but due to a surprising administrative error. Cameron Green, expected to draw record-breaking bids, has clarified that he will be available as a full all-rounder, despite being officially registered as a batter.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo’s Matt Roller, the listing anomaly was the result of a mistake during Green’s registration process. Yet the Australian star, fresh from Test duties, reassured that his bowling arm is ready — and so is he.
Green sets record straight on auction status
After a year off due to back surgery, Green returned to international cricket earlier this year and has since resumed bowling. While his auction profile suggests otherwise, Green confirmed his availability during a media interaction in Adelaide and explained that the unusual classification stemmed from a mishap, not a strategic decision.
“I don’t know if my manager would like to hear this, but there was a stuff-up on his end,” he said, smiling.
“I think he accidentally selected the wrong box.”
As the conversation unfolded, he acknowledged the mix-up had taken on a life of its own. “It was pretty funny how it’s all played out, but it was actually a stuff-up on his end,” he stated.
IPL auction dynamics: Franchises eye Green despite glitch
Despite the mislabeling, Green’s all-round value hasn’t gone unnoticed. His IPL credentials are already proven — 452 runs and six wickets in 2023 for Mumbai Indians, followed by a solid 2024 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He missed the 2025 edition due to injury, but interest in him has only intensified.
Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, both holding the largest purses ahead of the mini-auction, are reportedly lining up to bid big. KKR, in particular, are considered frontrunners following Andre Russell’s retirement and will enter the auction with ₹64.30 crore (approx. US$ 7.1 million) in their purse. CSK, too, are in the hunt after Ravindra Jadeja’s move to Rajasthan Royals and have ₹43.40 crore (approx. US$ 4.8 million) available to spend.
However, even if a bidding war pushes Green’s price significantly higher, IPL salary rules mean his actual earnings would still be capped at ₹18 crore (approx. US$ 2 million) — the maximum fee an overseas player can receive under the current mini-auction regulations.
Among those weighing in on the potential auction showdown is former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.
“Cameron Green is a top-quality all-rounder, and with KKR entering the auction with a sizeable purse, they’ll surely target him,” Pathan said, speaking to JioStar.
Green has entered the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore (approx. US$ 220K), and some insiders believe he could challenge or surpass the all-time auction record of ₹27 crore (approx. US$ 3M) set by Rishabh Pant.
Green relaxed ahead of high-stakes bidding
For his part, Green appears unfazed by the looming auction buzz. The bidding begins the night before Australia’s third Test, but the 26-year-old said he plans to keep tabs on the action.
“I’m sure I will be [watching], with a few other guys. They’re always good fun to watch,” he said.
What lies ahead
Green is one of several Australians in the IPL auction mix, alongside Steven Smith, Josh Inglis, Beau Webster, and Jake Fraser-McGurk. England’s squad is also well represented, with names like Ben Duckett and Matthew Potts entering the pool for the first time.
Yet few names command the spotlight quite like Green’s. Despite the registration hiccup, franchises know exactly what they’re getting — a powerful middle-order hitter, a reliable seam option, and a potential game-changer. Come auction night, Cameron Green won’t just be up for grabs — he may very well set a new benchmark.
