The auction for the 2026 IPL will take place on 16 December in Abu Dhabi, with a total of 77 slots opening for bidding this year. As many as 173 players have already been retained by all 10 teams, leaving space for 77 new signings at the mini auction. Many big T20 names such as Josh Inglis, Devon Conway, Matheesha Pathirana, Cameron Green and David Miller are still eligible for selection. However, some known overseas stars will not be allowed into the IPL 2026 auction as per the new rules set by the BCCI. New BCCI Rules Before IPL 2025 Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, the BCCI had made two key changes that all overseas players will have to adhere to. Compulsory Registration Every foreign player has to register for the mega auction. And if any player does not register himself, then he will not be allowed to enter next year's auction too. Two-Year Ban for Withdrawals Further, if a player withdraws from the IPL after being sold in the auction, he faces a two-year ban from the auction and playing in the league. This is to ensure that no team loses their players at the last minute. Because of these rules, three top overseas cricketers are banned from taking part in the IPL 2026 auction. Also Read | 3 Reasons Why Josh Inglis May Go Unsold in IPL 2026 Auction Three Big Stars Barred From the IPL 2026 Auction Ben Stokes England Test captain Ben Stokes opted out of the IPL 2025 mega auction. He revealed that he wanted to focus on the workload and his duties for England. As he did not register, he cannot enter the IPL 2026 mini auction. Stokes is currently in action in the Ashes 2025-26, where his strong all-round form has again made headlines. Many IPL fans hoped to see him return, but the rules will not allow that. Harry Brook Harry Brook had to pull out of IPL 2024 because of a personal issue in his family. He was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction but again pulled out, prioritizing his England career. The BCCI rules state that since this is his second withdrawal, he is banned from this year's auction. Brook is also playing in the Ashes 2025-26, where he remains one of England's key batters. Also Read | 5 Bowling All-Rounders Who Could Be Steal Buys in the IPL 2026 Auction Jason Roy Jason Roy skipped IPL 2024 for personal reasons and did not register for the 2025 mega auction. For this reason, he has been left out of the 2026 mini auction too. Roy was once among the first-choice openers in T20 leagues but has become an ineligible player due to non-registration. These rules will influence the way franchises strategize in the overseas picks because three experienced international players will not be available to bid on.