Shreyas Iyer might add unexpected star power at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction on December 16, which may be a damp squib compared to mega-auctions in the past. Currently recuperating from a spleen injury, Iyer is set to fly out to Abu Dhabi as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) delegation head – good news for fans who want some action from the skipper as he recovers.
The franchises have to let the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) know who their representatives will be for the auction by Wednesday, December 10. According to Cricbuzz, PBKS announced Iyer on its official list. As per BCCI and auction rules, franchises are allowed a maximum of eight personnel in the auction room and an additional six elsewhere so that the franchise can strategically plan its representation.
If reports are to be believed, there’s a good chance that Iyer will be in Abu Dhabi unless an unexpected turn of events happen at the eleventh hour. The captain led from the front admirably last season, taking Punjab Kings to the final after a rare trip for them. He has been sidelined since the ODI series in Australia last month, so his participation in the auction comes as a huge morale booster for the franchise.
Australian Coaches Set to Attend Abu Dhabi Auction Amid Ongoing Series
In the meantime, Australia’s assistant coach Daniel Vettori will fly to attend the auction despite his Ashes commitment. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, he got consent from Cricket Australia (CA) to jet off to Abu Dhabi during an already underway series as part of a deal similar to one done last year for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy auction in Jeddah. Other Australian legends such as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer and global director of cricket Tom Moody will be present to host the high-profile event.
Meanwhile Daniel Vettori, the assistant coach of Australia will be present at the auction even though there are responsibilities on Ashes. He is said to have permission with the Cricket Australia (CA) to fly to Abu Dhabi in the middle of the series which is just like an agreement made last year in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy auction in Jeddah. The head coach and global director of cricket of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be joined by Australian powerhouses Justin Langer and Tom Moody among other Australian luminaries representing the team in the event which will add the star power to the event.
