as a countdown to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Sharp, all ten franchises are in the final stages of shaping their squads ahead of the much-awaited mini-auction. With the IPL Governing Council setting November 15 as the cut-off date for declaring retained and released players, teams are working feverishly to strike the right balance between experience, form and financial strategy. The auction in December is expected to see heavy bidding, but even before the auction slows down, the retention phase is already creating a massive stir among fans.
Retention rules for IPL 2026
There is no restriction on how many players a franchise can retain or release in IPL 2026. This gives teams the flexibility to either completely rebuild their setup or continue supporting their existing core. Unlike mega-auction years – where strict retention limits apply – the 2026 season allows complete freedom, provided teams work within the set salary purse.
Franchises are expected to use this freedom smartly, especially when so many big names are available across all formats. With no upper or lower retention limits, some teams may opt for stability, while others may attempt drastic changes as they aim for better performance the following season.
Trade Window: How do player transfers work?
The IPL trading system remains an important element of the retention cycle. Teams are allowed to trade players freely – either in a player-to-player swap or an all-cash deal. When franchises exchange players with different price tags, the team receiving the expensive player must pay the difference amount to complete the trade.
A key aspect of the trading mechanism is player consent, which is mandatory for any transfer. While players can refuse a deal, the final decision on releasing or retaining a cricketer rests entirely with the franchise management.
- The trade window is active for an extended period:
- It opens immediately after the season ends,
- Closes one week before the auction,
- Reopens after the auction and is available until one month before the next season starts.
However, it is important to note that players purchased in the IPL 2026 mini-auction cannot be traded in this cycle.
IPL 2026 Retention Live Streaming Details
Fans across India can follow all the developments from the IPL 2026 retention announcements live on Star Sports networks, including Star Sports 2 and its multiple regional broadcast feeds.
Digital viewers can stream the entire coverage on the JioHotstar app, ensuring real-time updates as the franchises reveal their decisions.
Team Purse Details
Notably, each franchise is allocated a purse of Rs 120 crore, making financial planning as important for teams as team selection. Retaining a large pool of players reduces spending power in the auction, while releasing more cricketers increases freedom but increases the pressure to rebuild effectively.
Franchises are expected to enter the auction with tailored strategies – some targeting foreign firepower, others looking for Indian domestic talent capable of making an impact in a compact tournament.
Also read: IPL 2026 trade: Sanju Samson moves to CSK; Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran shifted to Rajasthan Royals