As Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises transition from a high-intensity auction phase to long-term squad management, attention has shifted to a lesser-known but important mechanism – the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP). While it rarely grabs the headlines, RAPP plays a crucial role after the auction ends and serves as the sole source for franchises looking for replacement players during the offseason.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially distributed the RAPP list to all IPL franchises, stressing its importance as teams prepare their contingency plans ahead of the 2026 season.
More than 1,300 unsold players make up the replacement pool
According to the BCCI, the RAPP consists of 1,307 players who were registered but remained unsold in the IPL auction held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. These players have completed the auction process and are now the only viable options for mid-season replacements.
If a franchise is dealing with injuries, setbacks or omissions during the season, they must seriously select a replacement from this list. Non-RAPP players cannot be added to the squad after the auction window closes, regardless of availability or reputation.
Star international names are featured in RAPP
Despite not being auctioned, several top-class international cricketers are attracting attention at RAPP. Former Australian captain Steve Smith is among the most notable names, offering franchisees a proven option if a middle order experience is 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 add further quality, especially for teams looking for balance in their starting XI.
Their inclusion highlights how tactical considerations at the auction, salary caps and overseas mergers can leave even established internationals without a deal.
Capped Indian players add depth to the pool
RAPP is equally important because of the depth of Indian talent. Several capped domestic players with international exposure are available as replacement options. Names like Umesh Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, Vijay Shankar, Karn Sharma, KS Bharat, Deepak Hooda, Navdeep Saini and Chetan Sakariya are all in the list.
The reserve price of these Indian players is between ₹75 lakh – ₹1 crore, making them affordable and experienced options for teams facing injuries during the season.
BCCI lays down clear financial and contractual rules
The BCCI has also laid down strict guidelines governing the use of RAPP. Franchises are not permitted to sign any replacement player for less than that player’s declared reserve price during the auction. This ensures fairness and prevents underpricing after the auction.
Additionally, while franchises are allowed to recruit players from RAPP as net bowlers during the season, such arrangements do not confer any preferential rights. Teams must still follow standard substitution protocols if they wish to add a player to their registered squad.
KKR applied to RAPP after the release of Mustafizur Rahman
RAPP’s relevance has come into sharp focus with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) actively looking for a replacement following his release. Mustafizur Rahman. According to the rules, the three-time champions can now only select a substitute from the RAPP list.
Their decision will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for how franchises use the pool during the season.
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Silent but critical role of RAPP in IPL 2026
Despite operating mostly behind the scenes, the RAPP is an important pillar of IPL squad management. With injuries, workload management and international commitments often derailing plans, RAPP ensures franchises maintain competitive balance by following transparent rules.
As IPL 2026 approaches, this undisclosed list could reshape the fortunes of teams long after the auction hammer falls.
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