An IPL mega auction is a full-scale reset of team squads. It usually happens once every three to four years and allows franchises to retain only a limited number of players before the entire roster goes back into the pool.
This creates a complete churn, with teams rebuilding almost from scratch.
For example, the 2022 mega auction saw major overhauls. Punjab Kings let go of most of its squad, while teams like KKR and RCB had to rebuild around a small retained core. It is also the stage where breakout names, like Deepak Chahar in 2022 (Rs. 14 crore) or Nicholas Pooran in 2025 (Rs. 21 crore), command high bids because teams have large purses and long-term planning windows.
A mini auction is narrower in scope. It happens annually and is designed to fill gaps rather than reimagine squads. Only released players and new entrants go under the hammer. The 2024 mini auction is a good example, where teams hunted for specific roles. Kolkata Knight Riders targeted Mitchell Starc (Rs. 24.75 crore) purely for its death-overs and PowerPlay balance, while Sunrisers Hyderabad went big on Pat Cummins (Rs. 20.50 crore) to stabilise leadership and tempo.
Published on Dec 11, 2025
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