The auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is expected to take place between December 13th and December 15th, which is being discussed. Franchise officials in contact with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – not surprisingly – have stated this is the window being spoken about but the IPL Governing Council has not been able to schedule their plans.
This mini auction will be in India for the first time after being in order in two consecutive seasons in other countries, Dubai in 2023, and Jeddah Saudi Arabia in 2024. Franchise sources have said many times the BCCI would run the mini auction in India but there isn’t any official confirmation about it yet.
Franchises have to retain players by November 15. By this date, the teams have to submit the list of their players they want to retain or release on bright auctioning day. While not major changes are anticipated for most franchises, the likes of CSK and RR are likely to make sweeping changes after finishing at the bottom of the table last season.
Players like Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and Devon Conway are also reportedly on the list of players they will likely release. CSK, the five-time champions, has already saved ₹9.75 crore after R. Ashwin retired from the IPL. For the Rajasthan Royals, all eyes are on Sanju Samson, since they would be letting him go unless they are able to make a trade for their skipper. They have even explored some talking points about possibly releasing Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, although this may have shifted now that Kumar Sangakkara is coming back as head coach.
Additionally, some players, such as T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Aakash Deep, Mayank Yadav, and David Miller, may be seeking new franchises. Even Venkatesh Iyer, who was the most expensive purchase at the last auction at ₹23.75 crore for Kolkata Knight Riders, may be set free as well.
Of all the names being speculated over, the one that is generating the most excitement is Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. Green missed the last auction due to injury but is expected to be one of the hottest picks, with multiple teams already trying to get his signature.
Learn More: Full Breakdown of IPL 2026 Released Players Ahead of Mini Auction
