Top 3 Unsold Players in IPL Auction 2026: Which Other Leagues Can They Play In?

The IPL auction has once again delivered high drama with surprise calls and tough decisions as the much-awaited mini auction got underway in Abu Dhabi. A total of 369 players entered the auction with just 77 available slots, and teams bid high to get the best players on their squad for the upcoming IPL 2026.

Teams competed in a tight competition to get their best players in the squad and even made some records for the players acquired. As the auction progressed, several moments left fans and experts surprised, especially when some of the best cricketers in the world went unsold despite strong numbers on their board.

With the IPL 2026 Auction throwing up some of these unexpected results, attention now shifts to what lies ahead for those overlooked stars. So today we will discuss the 3 top unsold players in IPL Auction 2026.

Who are the 3 Top Unsold Players in IPL Auction 2026?

Among a list of unsold players, three overseas players' names stood out the most. These were not some random cricketers but were the established performers with experience at the highest level in the international setup. The top 3 unsold overseas players are Devon Conway, Gerald Coetzee, and Jonny Bairstow.

Devon Conway

Conway entered the IPL auction with a base price of INR 2 crore. The former Chennai Super Kings opener has over 1,000 IPL runs and has been known for his consistency at the top order. However, most of the teams have already locked in their overseas opening options, which left Devon Conway without any bidders, despite his past IPL performances.

Gerald Coetzee

Coetzee also joined the list of unsold overseas players. The South African fast bowler is known for his pace and aggressive bowling abilities opened at a base price of 2 crore, but no paddle rose for him and left him unsold with no bids. This year, the franchises have focused more on Indian players, which has resulted in Gerald Coetzee and others missing a place in the IPL squads.

Jonny Bairstow

England's Jonny Bairstow (₹1 crore base) added to the overseas players list not to feature in IPL 2026 as he went unsold in the auction. The aggressive keeper-batter, with 1,500+ IPL runs, couldn't sway bidders amid slot limits. He featured in the league for the first time in 2019 and has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI). He was unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction as well, but was later roped in by MI towards in a short-term deal as a replacement player.

Which Other Leagues Can Unsold Cricketers Play in?

Since these players are not a part of the IPL, they are likely to be a part of Pakistan Super League, which will run simultaneously across the border. Hence, these players will be in action for the most part of this window.

These 3 players are also the top unsold overseas players in IPL Auction 2026 and will not feature for any teams this season. With no scope in the IPL, these players can now be seen featuring in the some other league.

Devon Conway and Jonny Bairstow are regular faces in some of the biggest cricket leagues in the world like International League T20, The Hundred, and Super Smash, while Gerald Coetzee can continue to play in SA20, The Hundred, and Major League Cricket.