IPL 2026 auction likely to take place in December:Mega event expected to return to India; retention deadline set for November 15

The countdown to the IPL 2026 auction has begun, and it is expected to take place between December 13 and 15, according to preliminary discussions between BCCI officials and franchise representatives. While the final schedule is yet to be officially confirmed by the IPL Governing Council, multiple franchise sources have hinted that these dates are being seriously considered. Unlike the previous two seasons, when the auctions were hosted overseas in Dubai (2023) and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2024), this time the event is expected to return to India. Though a final decision has not yet been made, several franchise officials believe the BCCI will prefer to host the mini-auction domestically. As per the reports of Cricbuzz, the retention deadline set for November 15, teams are already finalising the list of players they plan to retain or release before the auction. This marks the beginning of another exciting phase of team reshaping ahead of the 2026 season. Retention deadline and early moves for IPL franchises Franchises have until November 15 to submit their player retention lists. By this date, all teams must decide which players to keep and which to release back into the auction pool. While most sides are expected to stick with their core players, two teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), may make some significant changes after disappointing campaigns last season. Also read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to play Vijay Hazare Trophy?: Selectors expect senior duo to feature in at least three rounds, tournament starts Dec 24- Report Reports suggest that CSK may release players such as Devon Conway, Sam Curran, and a few others as they look to rebuild their batting order. The team also has INR 9.75 crore added to its purse following Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL. At Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson’s future remains uncertain, with discussions ongoing about a possible trade for the skipper. The franchise may also consider releasing Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, though the return of Kumar Sangakkara as head coach could influence that decision. Big names in the mix ahead of mini-auction Several notable players could find themselves on the move this season. Names such as Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, T Natarajan, David Miller, and Venkatesh Iyer have all been linked to potential releases. Also read: Smriti Mandhana scores most ODI runs in a year: Richa Ghosh scripts history while batting at number 8, scores first World Cup fifty; IND vs SA records One of the most anticipated names at the upcoming auction is Cameron Green. The Australian all-rounder, who missed last year’s auction due to injury, has already attracted strong interest from multiple franchises and is expected to be among the top bids this time. Excitement builds ahead of the mega event As franchises prepare to fine-tune their squads, the mid-December auction promises another round of intense bidding and tactical planning. With star players possibly changing teams and fresh talent entering the mix, the IPL 2026 auction is set to be one of the most closely watched events in the cricketing calendar.