Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena crackled with uncontainable energy on December 15, 2025, as the IPL 2026 auction burst to life, transforming the UAE’s premier venue into a cauldron of cash, cunning, and cricket calculus. With 10 franchises clutching a combined Rs 540 crore war chest, the marathon mega-event—broadcast to 350 million viewers on Star Sports and JioCinema—kicked off at 2 p.m. IST with a bid bonanza that shattered expectations from the first lot.