IPL 2026 auction likely in mid-December, retention deadline on November 15

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction is projected to take place in the second or third week of December, with December 13-15 appearing as the most likely time frame. Franchise officials in negotiations with BCCI authorities indicate that these dates are being considered, however the league’s Governing Council has yet to officially finalise the schedule.

Unlike the previous two editions, which featured international auctions, first in Dubai in 2023 and then in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2024, there is currently no indication that the 2026 sale will follow the same pattern. According to insiders from several franchises say it wouldn’t be shocking if the BCCI held the mini-auction in India itself. However, the final decision remains pending and is expected to be made closer to the planned dates.

What can be said with a fair degree of certainty is that the retention deadline for IPL 2026 is November 15.

By this date, franchises must submit the names of players they plan to release ahead of the mini-auction. So far, there are no signs of a major shake-up across teams, except potentially from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), who finished at the bottom last season.

The reports suggest that CSK might release Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, and Devon Conway. The five-time champions already have INR 9.75 crore added to their purse following R Ashwin’s retirement. For RR, Sanju Samson is likely to top the release list unless a trade for the captain is arranged. There had also been speculation about releasing Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, but Kumar Sangakkara’s return as head coach may alter that plan.

Other players who might seek new franchises include T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav, David Miller, and Venkatesh Iyer, though nothing is confirmed yet. Among the most sought-after players for the auction is Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who missed the previous auction due to injury and has already attracted significant interest from several teams.