The IPL 2026 auction is all set to be one of the most exciting and strategic events in the history of the tournament, and the BCCI has already set the deadline to maintain it.
The probable dates of the IPL auction were already revealed on Friday, October 10. As per Cricbuzz report, the retention deadline has been set for November 15, giving teams a month to decide which players they want to retain before the auction.
IPL 2026 retention and auction dates are out
The IPL auction may take place between December 13 and 15, although the final dates have not been officially confirmed.
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Unlike the last two auctions, which were held overseas in Dubai and Jeddah, this year’s mini auction may be held in India, with the BCCI planning to make things easier for the franchises.
The Cricbuzz report reads: “The IPL 2026 auction is likely to take place in the second or third week of December, with December 13-15 emerging as a possible window. Also, at this stage, there is no sign of moving the auction overseas, as was the case in the last two editions. It would not be surprising if the BCCI decides to hold the mini-auction in India itself.”
Big changes are coming in Chennai Super Kings
Only minor changes are expected by most teams but Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), who struggled last season, are likely to make significant changes to their squads ahead of the next edition of the tournament.
CSK may release players like Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran and Devon Conway to boost their purse, which has already added ₹9.75 crore after R Ashwin’s retirement. For Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson is expected to be the main player on the release list unless they can arrange a trade to retain him.
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Rajasthan Royals eyes rebuild; Cameron Green set to be hot pick in mini-auction
There was also talk of releasing Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana, but these plans may change with Kumar Sangakkara returning as head coach. Other players potentially looking for new teams are T. Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav, David Miller and Venkatesh Iyer, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
One of the most awaited names in the auction is Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. He missed the previous auction due to injury, but is expected to face strong competition from multiple franchises to secure his services in the IPL mini-auction 2026 later this year.
IPL 2026 is set to thrill fans from March 14 to May 25.
Meanwhile, the 19th edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place from March 14 to May 25, 2026. The 10 teams will compete in a round-robin format, where each team will face the others in a home-and-away format. After the league stage, the top teams will move on to the playoffs to fight for the title.
A total of 84 matches are scheduled, which will take place in some of the most famous cricket stadiums in India. Each team will play 14 matches in the league stage, including 7 matches at their home ground and 7 away matches. This ensures that fans across the country will get multiple opportunities to watch their favorite teams and players in live action.
