The BCCI has not yet revealed full details regarding the IPL 2026 auction. The auction is expected to take place in the second or third week of December, with December 13–15 emerging as the likely window.
All IPL franchise officials have met with BCCI representatives, and according to Cricbuzz, discussions have primarily focused on these dates. Now, everyone is awaiting formal approval from the governing council.
Regarding the venue, Cricbuzz reports that the BCCI intends to host the mini auction in India. Unlike the previous two auctions, which were held in Dubai (2023) and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2024), franchise insiders believe the 2026 auction will take place in India, pending official confirmation.
IPL 2026 Player Retention Deadline Likely Set for November 15
Cricbuzz reports that the player retention deadline for IPL 2026 is expected to be November 15. On this date, all franchises must finalize the list of players they intend to retain and release ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Although the upcoming auction is a mini-auction, major surprises are unlikely for most franchises. However, two champion teams—Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR)—who finished at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table, are expected to release several players and revamp their squads.
CSK, for the first time, ended IPL 2025 in 10th place. Key players like Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and Devon Conway failed to deliver consistent performances, placing them at the top of the list of possible releases. With ace spinner Ravi Ashwin’s retirement, CSK already has INR 9.75 crores in their purse.
Rajasthan Royals, finishing eighth, may also see significant changes. Captain Sanju Samson is reportedly considering parting ways with the team he has been with since 2013. Additionally, there are speculations about releasing Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, although new head coach Kumar Sangakkara could influence these decisions.
Other notable players who could be released include T. Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav, and David Miller. Reasons vary—from high retention costs to freeing up funds for the mini-auction.
Cameron Green, the Australian all-rounder, is expected to be one of the main attractions in the IPL 2026 auction. He had missed the IPL 2025 season due to a back injury but has since made a strong comeback, scoring a century and several runs in the recent South Africa T20I series.
