The IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled to take place in December, with franchises expected to announce their lists of retained and released players by November 15.

With teams likely to make only a limited number of changes ahead of the mini-auction, every retention decision will be crucial.

However, a few overseas players could be on their way out after failing to deliver the expected performances in the previous season.

From struggling fast bowlers to underperforming finishers, here are five overseas stars who could be released ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction, based on their recent performances.

Muzarabani played two matches and conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.71. His inability to make a significant impact on batting-friendly Indian pitches could make his position in the squad uncertain.

With KKR expected to assess their overseas options before the mini-auction, Muzarabani could be among the players considered for release.

His economy rate of more than 13 runs per over is another concern, particularly in a tournament where controlling runs during the powerplay and death overs can prove decisive. LSG may look to strengthen their pace attack before the mini-auction, potentially putting Nortje’s place in the squad at risk.

Hetmyer managed just 78 runs across 7 innings in 8 matches last season. He recorded an average of 13 and a strike rate of 113, numbers that fell short of what Rajasthan would expect from a designated finisher.

The Royals need their middle-order batters to accelerate during the closing stages of an innings, especially in tight run chases. If the franchise decides to revamp its batting combination, Hetmyer could be one of the overseas players whose future comes under consideration ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) acquired Livingstone for Rs 13 crore, but his reported performances in the previous season did not justify the investment.

The England star scored only 15 runs in two matches, registering a strike rate of 60. Those numbers leave considerable room for improvement for a player expected to contribute with his aggressive batting and all-round abilities.

With franchises likely to carefully assess their spending ahead of the mini-auction, SRH could consider releasing Livingstone and using the available funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.

The experienced left-arm fast bowler has been known for his ability to strike early with the new ball. However, his reported returns in IPL 2026 have been disappointing.

Boult picked up only two wickets in five matches and conceded runs at an economy rate of around 12. For a bowler expected to provide early breakthroughs and control the scoring rate, those figures could raise concerns.

Mumbai may evaluate their pace-bowling options before finalising their retention list. If the franchise decides to make changes to its bowling attack, Boult’s place could come under scrutiny.

Blessing Muzarabani, Anrich Nortje, Shimron Hetmyer, Liam Livingstone and Trent Boult are five overseas players whose recent performances could put their positions under pressure.

However, their releases are not confirmed. The final decisions will depend on each franchise’s plans, squad requirements and retention strategy.

The official retention lists, expected on November 15 according to the supplied information, will reveal which players remain part of their teams and who could enter the mini-auction pool.