Will Steve Smith participate in IPL 2026 Auction? The Australian legend finally breaks silence – Cricket Times

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Australian batting great Steve Smith has discussed regarding his potential return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) during the upcoming 2026 mini-auction. Smith, widely celebrated for his incredible achievements in Test cricket, made the comments during a conversation with former IPL teammate Kevin Pietersen on the latter’s YouTube channel.
Smith openly conveyed his strong wish to return to the IPL, emphasizing the unmatched quality and competitive environment the tournament offers. The Australian great confirmed his participation in the forthcoming auction, telling Pietersen, “I’ll be in the auction. Yeah, and we’ll see how we go. [Base price?] Max.”
This declaration confirmed that Smith intends to set his base price at the highest possible bracket, signaling his commitment to being part of the league once again. He explained that all international players enjoy playing in the IPL because it features the best global talent, noting that Indian players, in particular, do not participate in any of the other worldwide T20 leagues.
Smith highly regards the IPL as “still the premier T20 tournament,” highlighting his motivation for seeking a comeback. During his discussion, he also explained his preference for batting at the top of the order in T20I cricket, stating that this position is generally enjoyed by most players due to the favorable batting conditions, including flatter pitches and field restrictions available early in the innings.

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Smith’s desire for an IPL return is rooted in an already extensive history in the league, where he has featured for multiple franchises over the years. Over the course of his IPL career, Smith has accumulated 2,485 runs in 93 innings, a tally that includes one century. He has previously held leadership roles within the tournament, captaining both the Rajasthan Royals and the defunct Rising Pune Supergiants.
Beyond his captaincy stints, the Australian has also had playing stints with the Pune Warriors India and, most recently, the Delhi Capitals. The star batter, recognized as one of the best Test batters of the 21st century, is currently in a phase of his career where he is prioritizing his T20 involvement, particularly with an eye on the LA Olympic Games 2028. His plan to enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction follows weeks of speculation and shows his determination to secure an IPL contract for the next season.
Also READ: KKR’s most expensive players at each IPL Auction: From Gautam Gambhir to Mitchell Starc
TAGS: Australia IPL IPL 2026 IPL 2026 Auction Steve Smith
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