IPL 2026 auction date announced, when is auction and retention?

The auction for the next season of the Indian Premier League, IPL 2026, is expected to take place in December. It is reported that the auction could take place between December 13th and 15th. The BCCI has not yet finalized the auction date.

Compared to IPL 2025, this time a "mini auction" will be held, with fewer players up for grabs than last time. The same Cricbuzz report also stated that the deadline for retaining players could be November 15th.

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According to Cricbuzz, it has not yet been decided whether the auction will take place abroad or in India. Sources believe the BCCI may hold a "mini auction" in India, but the situation remains unclear.

Deadline for retention list

According to reports, all teams will have to release their retention lists by November 15th. By this date, teams must submit a list of players they wish to release. It is unlikely that there will be significant player changes.

Who can be released?

There is speculation that Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and star batsman Devon Conway could also be released before the 'mini auction.' In recent months, speculation about Sanju Samson being traded has also gained momentum.

It has also been reported that Rajasthan Royals may release their two main spin bowlers, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. However, Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara will be the head coach of RR next season, so Hasaranga and Theekshana may not be released.

These players can get a new team

Some other players including Mitchell Starc, Akashdeep, T Natarajan, Mayank Yadav and David Miller may join the new team, but nothing is clear on this. Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought by KKR for ₹23.75 crore last season, could also be on the line. There is speculation that Cameron Green could become one of the most expensive players in the auction.

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Players who can be retained

Mumbai is anyway, likely to retain Hardik Pandya, Surya Kumar Yadav, Bumrah and others. Chennai will retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni and Jadeja. Bengaluru is likely to keep hold of captain Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, amongst others. 

The final list of retentions will be out in roughly a month from now, and this will potentially set the stage for the upcoming auction in December.