Courtesy: England cricket
The Indian Premier League always keeps a close eye on emerging talents from around the world in an attempt to attract some of the best and most noted names in Cricket to play the T20 league. It is, undoubtedly the most popular T20 franchise format, which explains why participation in the IPL is such a big step in the right direction for cricketers. Having Jamie Smith, fresh from a great hundred at Edgbaston, where he scored a career-best 184 not out, would certainly have liked to play the tournament.
And the buzz in cricketing circles, especially those connected to the IPL was that given Jamie Smith's incredible form in the ongoing series against India, one would see him finally debuting in the popular league in the next season. However, as reported by Zee News in an update, there seems to be a catch. As a matter of fact, a bit of a disappointment.
New IPL eligilbility criteria restricts Jamie Smith from participating in IPL 2026
Apparently, despite all the good work being done by Smith both as keeper and batter, he might not get selected in the 2026 mini IPL auction for the next round. And why is that? Jamie Smith's hopes of being picked for the famous T20 series seem to have been dashed to the ground where it stands at the moment owing to a newly introduced IPL auction eligibility criteria.
The rule or dictum states that only those overseas players can register themselves for the forthcoming IPL mini auction, in this case the 2026 IPL mini auction, who had registered previously for the IPL mega auction. Now in this case, it was the previous IPL 2025 edition.
Unfortunately for the young Englishman, the right hander had not registered for the IPL 2025 mega auction. This automatically renders him ineligible for what's to come next: the IPL 2026 mini auction. Sad as it may seem, this is what the newly introduced regulation states and one knows that a talent of Smith's ability will be missed in the cricketing event of epic proportions. What do you reckon?
FAQ's
Why will Jamie Smith not likely play the next season of the IPL?
Due to the new auction eligibility rules of the IPL, Jamie Smith, despite being in red hot form may not get to play the famed T20 league.
How has Jamie Smith's very recent Test form been?
With scores of 184 not out and 88, as seen at Edgbaston and previously, 40 and 44 not out, Smith has been in red-hot form for England.
What is Jamie Smith's current Test tally
He actually sits just 3 shy of reaching 1000 Test match runs, has already scored 2 Test cent
