Russell released by KKR ahead of 2026 IPL auction

Jamaican all-rounder Andre Russell is one of a number of high profile players released by their respective franchise as teams start to take shape ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.

After over a decade with the Kolkata Knightriders, Jamaican Andre Russell's time with the Indian franchise could be coming to an end after he was released ahead of the auction for the 2026 IPL season.

The 37 year old Russell has been a constant for the franchise since IPL 2014 and was among five players retained by the franchise ahead of the 2025 mega auction. 

However, the decision doesn’t mean the end of Russell's IPL  career, as the 2019 player of the tournament is being sought by more than one franchise, while KKR could look to buy back the hard hitting right-hander.