It is becoming a bullish early buzz around the IPL, and it looks like the 2026 auction queue is being established to make up for what was one of the most talked-about mini auctions in recent memory. Franchise officials who have had talks with the BCCI state that they auction is likely to happen around December 13-15. Although the dates have not been formally sealed by the Governing Council, words in cricketing circles indicate that the mid-December slot is pretty much sealed.
Teams need to clear the first big hurdle before bidding battles are fought: the deadline for retaining players. November 15 is the last date by which franchises can submit their list of retained and released players. This is where strategies become reality, tough calls are forced and the look of each squad starts to change. The biggest moves are likely to be made by teams such as the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals, who finished at the bottom of last year’s table.
The auction could also return to India for the first time in three years after being held in Dubai in 2023 and Jeddah in 2024. Nothing has been finalised yet, though sources indicate that the BCCI does have a preference this time around of keeping the event at home. There have been no indications that another international venue is on the table.
That’s where standards of releases start to play a little fast and loose. Some unexpected names are doing the rounds when it comes to CSK. Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran and there’s talk even of Devon Conway being evaluated. CSK have also acquired an additional INR 9.75 crore back in their purse because of R Ashwin’s IPL retirement, which gives them greater flexibility at the auction as well.
Rajasthan Royals have the biggest call to make. That captain, Sanju Samson, might not be retained unless the franchise pulls off a trade involving him. And his future is probably the season’s hottest topic so far. Earlier, rumours were doing the rounds that RR might let go of their two Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. But with Kumar Sangakkara poised to be back as coach, that plan could change.
There are a few other big-name players who could soon be looking for new teams as well. Some of the names doing the rounds in the rumour mill include T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav and David Miller. Even Venkatesh Iyer, their third highest purchase at the last auction for INR 23.75 crore, casts doubts on his future.
A name that already has franchises sharpening their pencils: Cameron Green. The Aussie all rounder pulled due to injury in the last auction hence making up as one of the most wanted players for IPL 2026. A few teams have already expressed interest in him, and he is likely to be pursued fervently once that auction starts.
The retention date is closing in, and the auction window will soon be shut, so the next few days are set to offer drama, shock announcements, and all the typical IPL chaos that supporters adore. The stage is getting hot and the next mini auction may well be bigger than what anyone anticipates.
