As Indian Premier League (IPL) teams transition from the high-intensity auction phase to long-term team management, attention has shifted to a little-known but crucial mechanism – the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP). While rarely making headlines, RAPP plays a decisive role once the auction is over, becoming the team’s sole source for finding replacement players during the season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially distributed the RAPP list to all IPL teams, highlighting the importance of the list for teams to 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 signed up for the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 but remain unsold. These players completed the auction process and are now the only eligible options for mid-season replacement.

If a team faces injury, withdrawal or termination during the season, they must select a replacement strictly from this roster. Once the auction window closes, players outside of RAPP, regardless of availability or reputation, cannot be added to the team.

International star names in RAPP

Although not sold at the auction, several high-profile international cricketers feature prominently in the RAPP. former australian captain Steve Smith is one of the most reputable brands, offering franchisees a proven choice when it comes to mid-order experience.

England players Jonny Bairstow, Reece Topley and Jamie Smith are also on the list. New Zealand all-rounders Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell further enhance the side, especially for a side looking for balance in the squad.

Their additions highlight how tactical considerations, wage constraints and the overseas mix at auction can make it impossible for even established internationals to secure contracts.

Players representing India add depth to pool

RAPP is equally important because of its depth of Indian talent. Several domestic players who have played in international competitions can still be used as substitute options. Names like Umesh Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, Vijay Shankar, Karn Sharma, KS Bharat, Deepak Hooda, Navdeep Saini and Chetan Sakariya are listed.

The base price of these Indian players ranges between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 1 crore, making them viable and experienced options for a team plagued by injuries this season.

BCCI sets clear financial and contractual rules

BCCI has also laid down strict guidelines for the use of RAPP. A team may not sign any replacement player for less than the player’s base price announced at the time of the auction. This ensures fairness and prevents post-auction undervaluation.

Additionally, while franchises may hire RAPP players as netballers during the season, such arrangements do not provide any preferential rights. Teams must still follow standard substitution protocols if they wish to add a player to their registered roster.

KKR turns to RAPP after Mustafizur Rahman’s release

RAPP’s relevance has come into limelight with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) actively looking for a replacement after its release Mustafizur Rahman. According to regulations, the three-time champion can now only choose a replacement from the RAPP list.

Their decision will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for how teams use their money pools during the season.

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RAPP plays quiet but crucial role in IPL 2026

Although RAPP operates mainly behind the scenes, it is an important pillar of IPL team management. With injuries, workload management and international commitments often disrupting plans, RAPP ensures franchises maintain a competitive balance while adhering to transparent rules.

As IPL 2026 approaches, this nameless list could once again decide the fate of the franchise long after the auction hammer falls.

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