Cricket on mobile is moving beyond just shot-making and reflexes. With KRAFTON India now publishing the Real Cricket franchise, the focus is expanding toward strategy, planning, and decision-making that begins even before a match starts. One of the key elements driving this shift is the RCPL Auction mode, which mirrors the pressure and thinking involved in real-world league auctions.
In this format, players are not simply controlling teams on the field. They are building them from scratch, managing budgets, weighing player roles, and making split-second bidding decisions that can define an entire season. The auction is positioned as a core experience rather than a side activity, highlighting how preparation can be just as important as performance.
The timing of this in-game focus aligns closely with real-world cricket. The IPL 2026 auction is currently underway in Abu Dhabi, as franchises finalize their squads ahead of the season scheduled to begin in March 2026. This parallel adds relevance and context to the RCPL Auction experience, drawing inspiration from how professional teams approach squad building at the highest level.
Here’s why the RCPL Auction hits different:
- IPL-Style Player Auctions: Players can participate in RCPL auction-style gameplay to assemble squads, reflecting strategic choices similar to real-world leagues.
- High-Stakes Decision Making: Bidding requires careful management of resources and team balance, adding a layer of strategy to squad building.
- Tournament-Ready Squad Building: Assemble teams designed to compete effectively in RCPL tournaments and season-long gameplay.
- Gameplay Loop: The game offers fast, accessible controls combined with tactical decision-making for a layered cricket experience.
- Competitive & Engaging Energy: Auction gameplay creates tension and strategy-driven moments, making it engaging for players and viewers alike.
- Seasonal Momentum: Early squad decisions feed into tournament outcomes, influencing performance over multiple matches
In terms of gameplay, Real Cricket continues to offer fast and accessible controls while integrating tactical depth. The auction adds a strategic loop that complements on-field action, creating moments of tension and anticipation even before the first ball is bowled.
With KRAFTON India’s publishing support, RCPL positions team building as a central part of the cricket experience. The result is a format that emphasizes planning, leadership, and cricketing intelligence, appealing to players who enjoy thinking like captains as much as playing like stars.