The excitement around the IPL 2026 Mini Auction is rapidly building. On Tuesday, the BCCI released the official list of 350 players who will go under the hammer. Interestingly, while 1,005 players were excluded, three star international players were outright banned from participating in the auction.

All three banned players belong to England and are well-known match-winners in T20 cricket. The action was taken strictly under the BCCI’s existing rules.

The three English cricketers banned from the IPL 2026 auction are:

• Ben Stokes




• Harry Brook




• Jason Roy

All three players have been banned for violating the same IPL participation rules related to last-minute withdrawals after being sold at auction.

• Bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore in the 2025 auction




• Later withdrew to play England’s domestic season




• As per BCCI rules, he is banned for IPL 2026 and IPL 2027

• Withdrew from IPL in 2024 due to personal reasons




• Did not register for IPL 2025 auction




• As per the same rule framework, he now faces a two-year ban

• Followed a similar withdrawal pattern




• The BCCI applied the same disciplinary rule




• Result: Banned from IPL 2026 auction

👉 The BCCI rule clearly states:
Any overseas player who pulls out after being sold can face a two-season ban.

This action has created a major buzz ahead of the auction because:

• All three players are proven international match-winners




• Their absence will have a direct impact on multiple team strategies




• Franchises that were planning for these players will now have to change their auction tactics

• Total registered players: 1,355




• Final shortlisted players: 350




• Players excluded: 1,005




• Players banned: 3 (Stokes, Brook, Roy)

This makes the IPL 2026 mini-auction one of the most selective auctions in recent years.

The BCCI’s strict step sends out a strong message to foreign players:

• IPL commitments must be treated as professional contracts




• Backing out after being sold will now lead to serious consequences




• Franchises will get better stability and reliability

The bans of Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, and Jason Roy have added a dramatic twist ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. With only 350 players shortlisted and big international names missing out, this mini-auction is set to be highly competitive and unpredictable.