IPL 2026 Auction Shocker: Top Stars Go Unsold Despite Full Squads

• IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi filled all 77 available slots, with all ten franchises completing their 25-player squads.
• Despite full squads, several prominent players, particularly overseas ones, surprisingly went unsold, reflecting a shift in team strategies.
• Former CSK opener Devon Conway (1080 IPL runs) and NZ all-rounder Michael Bracewell (96 T20 wickets) were among the unexpected omissions.
• West Indies' top batter Shai Hope and England's Jonny Bairstow, known for current form and IPL experience, also failed to attract bids.
• England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, despite being called thrice and expected to fetch over Rs. 10 crore, remained unsold, a major surprise.

Why It Matters: IPL 2026 auction saw surprising omissions of established overseas players despite all slots being filled.