Srinagar: The countdown to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction has begun, with reports suggesting that the marquee event will take place between December 13 and 15. According to Cricbuzz, discussions between the BCCI and franchise representatives have narrowed down to these dates, pending official confirmation from the IPL Governing Council.
After hosting the previous two auctions overseas — Dubai (2023) and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2024) — the upcoming edition is expected to make a return to India. While the final venue is yet to be confirmed, insiders indicate that the BCCI is keen to host the auction domestically this time around.
Player Retention Deadline: November 15
The BCCI has informed all 10 IPL franchises that the player retention deadline will be November 15, 2025. Teams must submit their final lists of retained and released players by then.
While most franchises plan to keep their core groups intact, some major shake-ups are expected — particularly at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) following disappointing IPL 2025 campaigns.
CSK Set for Major Changes
Five-time champions CSK are reportedly preparing for a significant overhaul. Several well-known players, including Devon Conway, Sam Curran, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, and Rahul Tripathi, are rumored to be on the release list.
The Chennai-based franchise also received a ₹9.75 crore boost to their purse following R. Ashwin’s retirement, giving them more flexibility to target new signings in the December mini-auction.
Rajasthan Royals Considering Leadership Overhaul
At Rajasthan Royals, internal discussions point toward a potential reshuffle in both leadership and squad composition. The future of captain Sanju Samson remains uncertain, with sources suggesting a possible trade if the franchise decides to rebuild around a new core.
Cameron Green Set To Be Hot Property
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is expected to headline the IPL 2026 mini-auction. After missing the 2025 edition due to injury, Green’s return has generated immense interest from multiple franchises eager to add a genuine all-rounder to their lineup.
With his availability confirmed, the 26-year-old could spark an intense bidding war when the auction hammer falls in mid-December.
