Dubai, Muscat or Doha may host IPL 2026 auction:Tournament to begin from 20 March; BCCI reveal why overseas venues are preferred

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction is expected to take place overseas once again. According to a senior BCCI official, the event will be organised between December 15 and 18 in one of three cities – Dubai, Muscat, or Doha. The decision has been made due to the heavy wedding season in India during that period, which makes it difficult to find suitable venues for such a large-scale event. Speaking exclusively to Dainik Bhaskar, a senior BCCI official said, “From mid-December to January is the peak marriage season in India. Almost every major hotel, resort or convention center has wedding bookings. In such a situation, it becomes difficult to accommodate representatives, coaches, managers and broadcast crew from 10 teams. Therefore, the board has decided to conduct the auction abroad this time as well.” Last year, the IPL 2025 mega auction was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, also due to venue and logistical constraints in India. Despite early reports hinting that the 2026 auction might return to India, the BCCI has now confirmed that it will once again look abroad. Dubai the front-runner to host the auction Among the shortlisted cities, Dubai appears to be the strongest contender. The city has world-class infrastructure, easy accessibility, and long-standing ties with both the BCCI and IPL franchises. Over the years, Dubai has successfully hosted several major Indian cricket events. In 2014, the UAE hosted the opening leg of the IPL due to general elections in India. Later, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the entire IPL was conducted in the UAE, further strengthening the region’s credibility as a reliable venue. Also read: ‘I won’t be shy…’- Shubman Gill speaks on leading Rohit-Virat: India’s new ODI skipper explains his plan with star cricketers; Men in Blue sweat with fielding Muscat and Doha as the other options to host the IPL 2026 mini-auction Muscat (Oman) is also being considered, with the BCCI enjoying good relations with Oman’s cricket board. Muscat boasts a compact yet modern cricket complex suitable for hosting such events. Doha (Qatar), meanwhile, has entered the conversation for the first time — signaling BCCI’s growing interest in expanding its cricket footprint across Gulf countries. The tournament could begin on March 20 The official also revealed that the next IPL season could begin on March 20, 2026. The BCCI is planning an earlier start to ensure the tournament concludes by late May, allowing players enough rest before international tournaments like the Champions Trophy in June-July. Also read: Cricketer Smriti Mandhana to tie knot with Indore’s film director: Palash Muchhal says, ‘We will marry soon’; Team India to face England on Oct 19 IPL Auction becomes a global event In recent years, the IPL auction has evolved into a global spectacle. Apart from team owners, agents, analysts, and player managers from around the world attend the event. Hosting the auction overseas not only offers better facilities but also increases international media exposure. According to sources, franchises have no objection to the overseas plan, as most team owners already have business ties in Gulf countries. This shift reinforces the IPL’s growing global influence and highlights how the league continues to evolve beyond Indian borders.