IPL 2026 Auction: Mumbai Indians spark laughter by bidding for Cameron Green with INR 2.75 crore purse, Akash Ambani says 'bid was to show we value him'

Mumbai Indians hilariously opened the bid for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Notably, Mumbai Indians entered the auction with the smallest purse at INR 2.75 crore.

With Green, the most sought-after player, primed to have a big payday, the auction room burst into laughter as Akash Ambani, the MI owner, raised the paddle to bid for him. Ambani saw the funny side of it as well, raising the paddle twice before being forced to back out with a smile due to the lack of funds.

For the unversed, Green was not retained by the five-time champions after spending the 2023 iteration with them. Green had a stellar season with MI, scoring 452 runs while striking at 160.28. However, he was not considered to be an ideal fit going into the 2024 season.

After an intense bidding war, Green was snapped by KKR for a whopping INR 25.20 crore in the auction for IPL 2026, becoming the most expensive overseas signing in the tournament's history.

Meanwhile, some Mumbai Indians supporters also came out on social media to reflect on MI management's decision for releasing Cameron Green. Plenty of fans revealed their frustration after Ambani kicked off the bidding for Green during the grand event.

Asked about his thoughts on the release, Ambani said that the paddle raise was symbolic of the franchise's faith in the all-rounder. He also hinted at associating with Green in the future.

We bid for Cameron Green just to tell him that we value him. He’ll be among our thoughts whenever he is available in auction, our paddle will go up for him”.

`@45Fan_Prathmesh

Will never forgive akash Ambani for trading our cameron green to RCB 💔

02:50 PM · Dec 16, 2025

26813

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There was plenty of speculation ahead of the IPL 2024 auction that Green would be a part of the core setup. However, fans were left dumbfounded after MI traded him to RCB in an all cash deal.

Green is currently involved with the Australian unit for the ongoing Ashes series Down Under. He played a key role for the hosts in the two Test  until now. He has also returned to contribute with the ball after having sustained a back injury which kept him out of competitive cricket for a while.

Speaking of the IPL, the 26-year-old is set to play the Andre Russell role for KKR as he retired from the marquee league recently. Green will be expected to bat up top or act as a floater as per the situation.