5 big names from the 2025 edition who won't be part of IPL 2026

The IPL 2026 auction will take place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16. From a long list that featured more than 1,300 players, 359 players have been shortlisted to go under the hammer at the mini-auction. The final list features 244 Indian cricketers and 115 overseas players.

While more than 350 players have been shortlisted for the IPL 2026 auction, the 10 franchises will battle it out to fill up a maximum of 77 slots, with 31 of the spots being reserved for overseas players. IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head into the auction with the largest purse of ₹64.30 crore. They can fill up a maximum of 13 slots, with six overseas spots available.

While the one-day auction will conclude on Tuesday, the IPL 2026 edition is scheduled to be held from March 15 to May 31. A few of the big names from IPL 2025 won't be part of the 2026 edition. Take a look.

---

#1 Andre Russell

Seasoned West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell represented Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2014 to 2025. In 133 matches for KKR in the IPL, Russell scored 2,593 runs at an average of 28.81 and a strike rate of 174.96, with 12 half-centuries and a best of 88*. With his medium pace, he picked up 122 wickets, averaging 21.59 at an economy rate of 9.47, with one five-fer and two four-fers.

Russell was, however, not retained by KKR ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. He had a middling 2025 season in which he scored 167 runs in 10 innings (strike rate 163.72) and claimed eight wickets (economy rate 11.94). Last month, Russell announced his retirement from IPL and confirmed that he would be joining the Kolkata franchise's support staff as a power coach.

---

#2 Glenn Maxwell

Star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will also not feature in IPL 2026. The 37-year-old maverick cricketer had a horror 2025 season for Punjab Kings (PBKS). In six innings, he only scored 48 runs at a strike rate of 97.95. Of his runs, 30 came in one innings. Maxwell did a better job with the ball in hand, claiming four wickets at an economy rate of 8.46.

Not surprisingly, Maxwell was released by PBKS ahead of the auction as the star cricketer continued to disappoint in the IPL. The veteran batting all-rounder subsequently opted out of the 2026 mini-auction. In a statement on Instagram, he termed the decision a 'big call' and expressed a lot of gratitude for everything that the league has given him.

---

#3 Ravichandran Ashwin

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will also not be seen in action during IPL 2026. The 39-year-old was purchased by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the 2025 mega auction for ₹9.75 crore. The off-spinner, however, could not make a big impact. In nine games, he claimed seven wickets at an average of 40.42 and an economy rate of 9.12.

Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, brought the curtains down on his IPL career in August this year. Sharing a post on social media, he wrote that he wanted to explore other leagues. He even signed up with Sydney Thunder for BBL 2025-26, but was ruled out due to a knee surgery.

---

#4 Faf du Plessis

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has been one of the biggest overseas stars in the IPL. In 154 matches in the T20 league, he has smashed 4,773 runs at an average of 35.09 and a strike rate of 135.78, with 39 half-centuries. Du Plessis, however, had an underwhelming 2025 season. In nine games for Delhi Capitals (DC), he scored 202 runs, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 123.92.

Released by DC, he opted out of the IPL 2026 auction. He won the IPL twice with CSK (2018 and 2021). The right-handed batter was the Player of the Match in the 2021 final for slamming 86 off 59 balls against KKR.

---

#5 Moeen Ali

England all-rounder Moeen Ali represented KKR in IPL 2025. He had a poor season with the bat, scoring five runs in two innings. Moeen did better with the ball, claiming six wickets at an average of 22.66 and an economy rate of 8.50.

Released by KKR, the 38-year-old decided to opt out of the IPL 2026 auction. The England star has played 73 matches in the IPL in which he has scored 1,167 runs at a strike rate of 139.76. With his off spin, he has picked up 41 wickets at an average of 25.09 and an economy rate of 7.22.