Sports Bulletin Dec 16: Green, Pathirana Headline IPL 2026 Auction Frenzy, CSK Back Uncapped Talent

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The sports world delivered a day packed with high drama and historic moments on December 16, as the IPL 2026 auction took centre stage in Abu Dhabi, triggering record-breaking bids and surprise splurges.

Franchises reshaped their squads with bold calls, uncapped players commanded staggering prices, and marquee names rewrote auction history, making it one of the most talked-about days of the IPL calendar.

Away from the auction room, the spotlight also shone on the next generation of Indian cricket and key developments on the international stage. A stunning record in the Under-19 Asia Cup, significant off-field news involving Indian cricketers. Here are the sports bulletin from December 16:

IPL 2026 Auction: KKR Break Records for Cameron Green

Kolkata Knight Riders stole the spotlight at the IPL 2026 auction by securing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. KKR outbid Chennai Super Kings in an intense duel, backing Green's rare ability to impact games with both bat and ball. Expressing his excitement, Green said he was looking forward to playing at Eden Gardens and soaking in the atmosphere with KKR.

Pathirana Becomes Costliest Sri Lankan Player at IPL Auction

KKR further strengthened their squad by snapping up Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore, making the Sri Lankan speedster the most expensive player from his country in IPL history. Despite fitness concerns, Pathirana's death-over skills and slingy action convinced franchises of his match-winning potential.

CSK Spend Big on Uncapped Indians in IPL Auction

Chennai Super Kings made a late splash by spending ₹18.40 crore on two uncapped Indian players. Prashant Veer was bought for ₹14.20 crore, followed by Kartik Sharma at the same price. Veer said joining CSK and learning from MS Dhoni was a major motivation and a huge opportunity for his career.

J&K's Auqib Nabi Gets Big Break with Delhi Capitals

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi earned a breakthrough IPL deal, with Delhi Capitals signing him for ₹8.40 crore after a four-team bidding war. Nabi has impressed in domestic cricket with his swing bowling and death-over control, including a strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign.

U-19 Asia Cup: India's Abhigyan Kundu Scripts History

India Under-19 wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu produced a record-breaking knock, becoming the first Indian to score a double century in Youth ODIs. His unbeaten 209 against Malaysia in Dubai powered India to 408 for seven and eclipsed Ambati Rayudu's long-standing Indian record.

Prithvi Shaw Responds to Legal Plea

Indian batter Prithvi Shaw termed social media influencer Sapna Gill's plea against him in an alleged molestation case as false and frivolous, claiming it was intended to malign his image and gain publicity. The matter remains under judicial scrutiny following a court-ordered inquiry. However, the Mumbaikar failed to attract any bids at the IPL 2026 Auction.

Ashes Update: Cummins Returns, Khawaja Left Out

Australia welcomed back Pat Cummins for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide after he recovered from a back injury. However, Usman Khawaja was left out of the XI, while Nathan Lyon returned to the side. Australia need only a draw to retain the Ashes, while England must win to stay alive in the series.