IPL 2026: Top 5 expensive player releases ahead of mini-auction

The IPL 2026 mini-auction is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025. All 10 franchises have already announced their lists of retained and released players. Some moves were expected, but a few names came as a surprise to fans. It also looked like teams tried to save as much purse as possible by letting go of some big-money players.

Here are the top 5 expensive player releases ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Venkatesh Iyer (KKR, Rs. 23.75 crore)

This Indian all-rounder is the most expensive release ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent a massive Rs. 23.75 crore to buy him in the 2025 mega auction and even named him the deputy to Ajinkya Rahane. 

But the move turned into a nightmare. KKR, despite being the defending champions, failed to reach the playoffs, and Iyer had a tough season. He scored only 142 runs in seven innings, with one fifty, did not bowl even once, and later suffered a hand injury. Ahead of the next season, KKR chose to free up a large amount of purse by releasing him.

2. Matheesha Pathirana (CSK, Rs. 13.00 crore)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) freed a big purse amount of Rs. 13.00 crore by releasing young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. He has been part of the franchise since 2022 and took 47 wickets in 32 innings across four seasons at an economy of 8.68. 

His unique side-arm action made him stand out, but his 2025 season was below expectations. Although he took 13 wickets in 12 matches, he conceded runs at an economy of 10.13. The impact he made in 2023 and 2024 did not continue, which likely pushed CSK to take this tough call.

3. Andre Russell (KKR, Rs. 12.00 crore)

The veteran West Indies all-rounder had been a key part of KKR for 11 IPL seasons. From 2014 onwards, Russell played 133 matches for the franchise, scoring 2593 runs and taking 122 wickets in 114 innings. 

His release came as a shock to many fans, as very few expected KKR to part ways with him. But looking at his age, form, and fitness issues, KKR might have decided to move on. In IPL 2025, he scored only 167 runs in 10 innings and took eight wickets in nine innings at an economy of 11.94.

4. Ravi Bishnoi (LSG, Rs. 11.00 crore)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) released young Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, and the move seemed likely given his recent form. He was impressive in his early years, doing well for Punjab Kings in 2020 and 2021 before joining LSG. He took 13 wickets in 2022 and produced his best IPL season in 2023 with 16 wickets at an economy of 7.74. 

But his form dipped after that. He managed only 10 wickets in 10 innings in 2024 and just nine wickets in 11 games in 2025 at an economy of 10.83. Due to his lack of consistent impact, LSG decided to free up Rs. 11.00 crore by releasing him.

5. Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC, Rs. 9.00 crore)

Jake Fraser-McGurk made a stunning entry in IPL 2024, scoring 330 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 234.04, with four fifties. Delhi Capitals (DC) retained him for 2025, but he failed to replicate that form, scoring only 55 runs in six innings. As a result, DC had no hesitation this time and released him to free up Rs. 9.00 crore.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!