IPL 2026: Top 3 Shocking Overpriced Buys of the 2026 IPL Mini Auction

IPL auctions rely on drama and unpredictability, but each season brings surprises that leave fans and experts perplexed. At the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction, conducted on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, several extremely intriguing, amusing, and shocking deals went under the hammer.

Another prevalent element of these auctions is that teams tend to splurge on some individuals, in the context of squad restructuring for long-term goals and aspirations, who may not offer much value to their lineup. With that said, let's take a look at three players from the 2026 IPL Mini-Auction whose contracts were shockingly high. 

1. Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone was acquired for a colossal ₹13 crore by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, who were already having a swashbuckling and robust batting lineup. Many fanatics assumed the Orange side would try to ease their woes of a reliable spinner, who has quietly haunted their winning chances in the tournament. But the English batter's inclusion would indeed make it strong for them with the willow and a decent spin option. If things don't go their way, it would hinder them to the core and make them contemplate the IPL auction decision-making process.