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As Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises transition from the high-intensity auction phase to long-term squad management, attention has shifted to a lesser-known but crucial mechanism – the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP). While it rarely grabs headlines, the RAPP plays a decisive role once the auction concludes, serving as the only source for franchises seeking replacement players during the season.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally circulated the RAPP list to all IPL franchises, underlining its importance as teams prepare contingency plans ahead of the 2026 season.
Over 1,300 unsold players form replacement pool
According to the BCCI, the RAPP consists of 1,307 players who registered for the IPL auction held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi but remained unsold. These players completed the auction process and are now the only eligible options for mid-season replacements.
If a franchise faces injuries, withdrawals, or releases during the season, they must choose a replacement strictly from this list. Players outside the RAPP, regardless of availability or reputation, cannot be added to squads once the auction window has closed.
Star international names feature in RAPP
Despite going unsold at the auction, several high-profile international cricketers feature prominently in the RAPP. Former Australia captain Steve Smith is among the most notable names, offering franchises a proven option should middle-order experience be required.
England players Jonny Bairstow, Reece Topley and Jamie Smith are also part of the pool. New Zealand all-rounders Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell adds further quality, particularly for teams seeking balance in their XI.
Their inclusion highlights how tactical considerations, salary constraints and overseas combinations at the auction can leave even established internationals without contracts.
Capped Indian players add depth to the pool
The RAPP is equally significant for its depth of Indian talent. Several capped domestic players with international exposure remain available as replacement options. Names such as Umesh Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, Vijay Shankar, Karn Sharma, KS Bharat, Deepak Hooda, Navdeep Saini and Chetan Sakariya are all listed.
These Indian players carry a reserve price between ₹75 lakh – ₹1 crore, making them viable and experienced options for teams dealing with injury setbacks during the season.
BCCI sets clear financial and contractual rules
The BCCI has also laid down strict guidelines governing the use of the RAPP. Franchises are not permitted to sign any replacement player for a fee lower than the reserve price declared by that player at the time of auction. This ensures fairness and prevents post-auction undervaluation.
Additionally, while franchises are allowed to engage players from the RAPP as net bowlers during the season, such arrangements do not provide any preferential rights. Teams must still follow standard replacement protocols if they wish to add the player to their registered squad.
KKR turn to RAPP after release of Mustafizur Rahman
The relevance of the RAPP has come into sharp focus with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) actively searching for a replacement after releasing Mustafizur Rahman. As per regulations, the three-time champions can now only select a replacement from the RAPP list.
Their decision will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how franchises utilize the pool during the season.
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RAPP’s quiet but critical role in IPL 2026
Though it operates largely behind the scenes, the RAPP is a vital pillar of IPL squad management. With injuries, workload management, and international commitments often disrupting plans, the RAPP ensures franchises maintain competitive balance while adhering to transparent rules.
As IPL 2026 approaches, this unsung list could once again shape the fortunes of teams long after the auction hammer has fallen.
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