Retention deadline on November 15, IPL 2026 mini-auction in December: Reports
The anticipation surrounding the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to escalate significantly in the coming days. On Saturday, JioStar, the tournament’s official broadcaster, announced that all ten franchises will disclose their IPL 2026 retention lists and player releases on the stipulated deadline of November 15. The confirmation arrived shortly after the Men in Blue secured 2-1 victory in the India vs Australia T20I series, following the washout of the final game in Brisbane.
IPL 2026 mini-auction and retention deadline all but confirmed as franchises accelerate trade talks
Reports indicate that the IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled for the mid-December timeline. The ten franchises are now in the process of tightening their strategies and finalizing their lists. Since the tournament conducted a mega auction only last year, allowing sides to shape their squads for a three-season cycle, most teams are unlikely to undergo drastic restructuring.
For now, there is no indication that the IPL 2026 mini-auction will be hosted abroad, unlike the last two editions which took place in Dubai (2023) and later Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2024). According to franchise insiders, it would not be surprising if the BCCI opts to stage this year’s auction within India, though nothing is officially finalized yet.
Before the mini-auction, all teams will have to submit the names of the players they intend to release. While mini-auctions generally don't stage major shake-ups, the pool is anticipated to be hot ahead of the upcoming season. The likes of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are reportedly preparing for more significant overhauls after ending at the bottom of the points table in IPL 2025.
Several notable players are reportedly on the potential release list ahead of the IPL 2026 retention announcement. The five-time IPL champions are likely to release a major chunk of their squad. The release list is anticipated to include the likes of Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and even Devon Conway. CSK already have ₹9.75 crore freed up after the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin.
For Rajasthan Royals, the future of skipper Sanju Samson appears to be a central point of attention. Unless the franchise successfully negotiates a trade deal, Samson could be heading towards the release list. Earlier discussions also hinted at the possible exit of Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.
A similar uncertainty surrounds Venkatesh Iyer, the third-most expensive signing at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The all-rounder was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore. However, after a subpar performance in the season, Iyer is likely to left out of KKR's IPL 2026 retention list.
Furthermore, there have been strong rumors that Kolkata Knight Riders may pursue KL Rahul as their next captain-wicketkeeper option. Delhi Capitals, who acquired Rahul for ₹14 crore during last year’s mega auction and saw him score 539 runs in 13 matches, are believed to have entertained early trade talks regarding his future.
Among the players set to command strong interest in the IPL 2026 mini-auction is Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. After missing the previous auction due to injury, he is believed to be a marquee target, with multiple franchises expected to compete aggressively for his signature.
In contrast to mega auction rules, franchises will not be restricted by a cap on the number of players they can retain this time. Meanwhile, the trade window remains active, allowing player movement among teams. The window opens a week after a season ends, pauses a week before the auction, reopens afterward, and closes again 30 days prior to the new season’s commencement.
As the IPL 2026 retention deadline draws nearer and the mini-auction edges closer, the IPL landscape is once again buzzing with speculation and strategic calculations. The latest report has suggested that insiders have confirmed November 15 as the retention deadline with the mini-auction likely to be held in the December 13-15 timeline.
