Australian all-rounder Matt Short is hoping for a second opportunity in the Indian Premier League, believing he is better prepared than ever ahead of the IPL 2026 auction on Tuesday.
The former Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter, who turned 30 last month, has entered the auction with a base price of INR 1.5 crore. After an injury-disrupted year, Short feels the timing is right to take the next step in his career and redeem his brief IPL stint from 2023.
Short featured in six matches for PBKS during the 2023 season but admits he struggled to cope with the pressure of being thrown directly into the world’s biggest T20 league during his first overseas assignment.
“I was probably rushed into it a little bit,” Short told ESPNcricinfo. “It was my first-ever overseas tournament, and suddenly you’re in the IPL. The whole whirlwind was overwhelming, and I probably didn’t deal with the pressure as well as I would have liked.”
Experience Brings Confidence
Since that experience, Short’s credentials in T20 cricket have grown significantly. He has been one of the most consistent performers in the Big Bash League over the past four seasons, scoring nearly 500 more runs than any other player during that period. He has also captained the Adelaide Strikers for the last two seasons, adding leadership experience to his résumé.
“Having three or four strong seasons in the Big Bash and playing in different competitions around the world definitely gives you confidence,” Short said. “You learn how to handle pressure and adapt to different conditions. I’d be a lot more ready now if selected.”
Tough Competition at the Auction
Short is among dozens of overseas players competing for just 31 available foreign slots at the IPL 2026 auction. Despite the fierce competition, he remains optimistic but grounded about the outcome.
“If I don’t get picked up, there are always other opportunities,” he said. “My wife and I always say, ‘Let the universe decide.’ I’ll watch the auction and see what happens.”
With experience, mental clarity, and a proven T20 record behind him, Matt Short believes he is now better equipped to make an impact should an IPL franchise place its faith in him once again.
