Thursday, May 07
Venkatesh Iyer saw a significant drop in his IPL 2026 auction price, moving from Rs 23.75 crore to Rs 7 crore after Royal Challengers Bengaluru outbid Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite a recent strong domestic performance, Iyer's previous IPL season was disappointing, leading to this substantial pay cut.
Abhigyan Kundu's record-breaking 209* powered India U-19 to a massive 408/7 against Malaysia. Deepesh Devendran then took 5/22, bowling out Malaysia for 93 and securing a crushing 315-run victory for India in the U-19 Asia Cup.
Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has been acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. Nabi's consistent domestic performances, including 15 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and a stellar Ranji Trophy season with 29 wickets, impressed the Capitals. His aggressive pace, wicket-taking ability, and handy batting are expected to bolster their squad.
Cameron Green became the third-most expensive IPL player ever, sold to KKR for Rs 25.20 crore. Quinton de Kock returned to Mumbai Indians for Rs 1 crore, while Ben Duckett and Finn Allen were also picked up at their base prices.
Lionel Messi's final India appearance was marked by protests against Delhi's severe air pollution. Fans chanted about the AQI as Chief Minister Rekha Gupta took the stage. The hazardous pollution levels were a stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere for the football icon. This event highlighted public frustration with the environmental crisis in Delhi-NCR.
A new IPL rule caps overseas player salaries at INR 18 crore, regardless of auction bids, to enforce financial discipline and prevent inflation. While franchises pay the full bid amount, the excess goes to the BCCI's player welfare fund, with Indian players remaining unaffected by this cap.
Kolkata Knight Riders made history at the IPL auction, securing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a record Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player ever. Despite the massive bid, Green will earn Rs 18 crore, with the remainder supporting BCCI development. Green expressed his excitement to join KKR and play at Eden Gardens.
