CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The IPL Auction 2026 is set to begin with an interesting twist, as Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan are expected to be the first players to go under the hammer. This development is not based on popularity or seniority but is driven by a specific Indian Premier League auction rule that determines the order in which players are presented. According to IPL auction guidelines, players who register in the lowest base price category are listed first, followed by those in higher price brackets.
Both Shaw and Sarfaraz have reportedly registered themselves at a lower base price to improve their chances of attracting franchises early in the auction. Being among the first names allows teams with limited budgets to bid aggressively before purse balances are affected by big-ticket signings. The strategy has been used by several players in previous auctions to revive careers or secure stable roles within franchises.
The rule often surprises fans who expect marquee names to headline the auction. However, franchises closely track such patterns and plan their bidding strategies accordingly. For Shaw and Sarfaraz, the early call-up could work in their favour, especially given their domestic performances and potential value as middle-order and opening options. The auction rule once again highlights how tactical planning plays a crucial role beyond on-field performance in the IPL ecosystem.
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