Paddle up, purse down: MI’s hilarious bidding war for Cameron Green sparks laughs at IPL auction

Mumbai Indians sparked laughter at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday when they opened the bidding for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green despite having only ₹2.75 crore in their purse. The lighthearted gesture, which left the auction room in splits, highlighted one of the more entertaining moments of the day as Chennai Super Kings made history by securing two uncapped players for record fees.

The auction saw Cameron Green become the most expensive overseas player in IPL history after Kolkata Knight Riders secured him for ₹25.20 crore following an intense bidding war. Meanwhile, CSK broke the bank for domestic talent, paying ₹14.20 crore each for uncapped all-rounder Prashant Veer and wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, making them the joint-most expensive uncapped players ever.

MI's Cheeky Bid and Budget Buys

Mumbai Indians entered the auction with the smallest purse among all ten franchises at ₹2.75 crore. When Green's name came up, MI co-owner Akash Ambani raised his paddle twice before backing out with a smile, drawing laughter from those in attendance. The franchise later acknowledged the moment on social media, calling it a gesture of respect toward their former player.

With limited funds, MI focused on economical signings, bringing back former wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock for ₹1 crore. They also acquired four uncapped Indian players at base price, Danish Malewar, Mohammad Izhar, Atharva Ankolekar, and Mayank Rawat, for ₹30 lakh each.

CSK's Historic Investment in Youth

Chennai Super Kings, armed with a ₹43.40 crore purse, pursued an aggressive strategy focused on young Indian talent. The 20-year-old Prashant Veer, a spin-bowling all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, sparked fierce bidding involving Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad before CSK prevailed.

The franchise then matched that price for 19-year-old Kartik Sharma from Rajasthan, who impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a strike rate above 160. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said the team had been tracking Sharma and needed Veer's skill set after trading Ravindra Jadeja.

CSK also added leg-spinner Rahul Chahar for ₹5.20 crore after a bidding battle with Punjab Kings, plus New Zealand pacer Matt Henry for ₹2 crore. The five-time champions acquired Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan at his base price of ₹75 lakh in the accelerated round.

Green's salary will be capped at ₹18 crore per IPL regulations for overseas players at mini-auctions, with the remaining ₹7.20 crore directed to the BCCI's player welfare program.