The IPL 2026 Auction is right around the corner, and excitement is already building across the cricket world. Teams are deep in the pre-auction trade window, reshuffling their squads and hunting for the perfect balance between experience and emerging talent.
This year’s event is a mini-auction, expected to take place on 21st December, 2025 at Mumbai. The retention rules and trade dynamics make this auction one of the most strategic in recent years, setting the stage for another blockbuster IPL season.
After a thrilling 2025 season, franchises are now focusing on fine-tuning their cores rather than rebuilding from scratch. Expect tactical moves, surprise trades, and fierce bidding wars for key players like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and uncapped sensations such as Ashutosh Sharma and Robin Minz.
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IPL 2026 Mini Auction Date and Venue
The IPL 2026 mini auction is expected to take place on 21st December 2025 in Mumbai, though the BCCI is yet to make an official announcement. Reports suggest Mumbai remains the frontrunner due to its strong IPL legacy and logistical convenience, while Delhi is being considered as a backup option.
The event will be a one-day mini-auction, marking the start of crucial squad reshuffles ahead of the new season. Fans can expect formal confirmation from the BCCI in the coming weeks.
Phase | Description | Timeline / Notes |
Pre-Auction Trade Window | Player swaps and cash deals to rebalance squads | Open now and closes approximately 1 week before the auction |
Mini-Auction | Teams fill gaps left after trades | Expected 21st Dec 2025 (unconfirmed); likely in Mumbai |
Post-Auction Trade Window | Final squad adjustments and tune-ups | Opens after the auction and closes approximately 1 month before IPL 2026 |
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IPL 2026 Auction Rules and Format
The IPL 2026 auction follows a mini-auction format, but with significant updates to retention rules, RTM (Right to Match) cards, and the team salary cap.
Retention Limits
Each franchise is allowed to retain or use an RTM card for up to 6 players in total ahead of the auction. These 6 players can include a maximum of 5 capped players (Indian or overseas) and up to 2 uncapped players. The precise mix is at the discretion of the franchise, but these caps ensure squads remain balanced and competitive going into each new season.
RTM (Right to Match) Cards
The RTM feature allows teams to buy back their own released players at the auction by matching the highest bid placed by another team. For IPL 2026, if a team wants to exercise an RTM, the highest bidder is allowed one final opportunity to raise their offer before the RTM card can be used, making the process more dynamic and competitive. Teams that retain fewer than six players can use the remaining number as RTM options at the auction.
Salary Cap
For the IPL 2026 season, the auction purse has been increased to ₹151 crore per franchise, allowing for bigger team investments than previous years. The overall salary structure now includes the auction purse, incremental performance pay, and for the first time, an additional match fee of ₹7.5 lakh per player per game.
Released Players List - 2026
The IPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be a high-drama event with several star players released by their franchises, setting the stage for intense bidding wars. Many teams have strategically let go of big names due to considerations around form, injuries, team balance, and salary cap management.
High-Profile Releases:
- Faf du Plessis (Delhi Capitals): Released to rebuild opening options and strengthen the death bowling unit.
- Ravichandran Ashwin (Chennai Super Kings): Let go as CSK looks to revamp its spin attack and infuse youth.
- Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans): A shocking exclusion aimed at a middle-order restructuring and fresh spin options.
- Quinton de Kock (Kolkata Knight Riders): Released amidst a youth-focused overhaul and pace arsenal changes.
- David Miller (Lucknow Super Giants): Released to reshape the death overs and batting depth.
- Glenn Maxwell & Marcus Stoinis (Punjab Kings): Released as part of a middle-order overhaul and to cut high-cost all-rounders.
- Ishan Kishan (Sunrisers Hyderabad): Strong rumors about SRH letting go of their star wicketkeeper-batter due to auction strategy and budget decisions.
IPL 2026 Auction Players List
The IPL 2026 mini-auction promises a mix of confirmed stars, high-profile targets, and under-the-radar talents. Teams are targeting specific roles, from middle-order finishers to versatile all-rounders, while fans can expect a competitive bidding environment.
Confirmed / Probable Players
These players are expected to feature in the auction or have strong trade chatter:
Capped Indian Stars
- Sanju Samson (RR) – Confirmed to stay and captain Rajasthan Royals. CSK and KKR link in the air.
- Ishan Kishan (MI/KKR) – Rumoured homecoming to Mumbai Indians; KKR also interested.
- Venkatesh Iyer (RCB/SRH) – Swap talk with Liam Livingstone; RCB & SRH keen.
- KL Rahul (DC/LSG) – Talks ongoing; LSG may retain him due to leadership value.
- Devdutt Padikkal (SRH) – Likely all-cash trade from RR; SRH top-order reinforcement.
- Shivam Dube (RCB) – Middle-order hitting depth; RCB interested.
- Shardul Thakur (CSK/RCB) – Seam-all-rounder options for franchises.
- Arshdeep Singh (MI) – Strengthen MI left-arm pace; trade dependent on package.
Uncapped / Emerging Indian Talent
- Ashutosh Sharma (DC) – Finisher with elite strike-rate, PBKS lower-order solution.
- Robin Minz (MI) – Potential long-term WK-bat project, CSK-style development.
- Manoj Bhandage (RCB) – Domestic all-rounder; middle-order + sixth-bowler option for LSG.
Overseas Stars / All-Rounders
- Sam Curran (GT) – Lower-middle-order finisher & death bowler after David Miller’s exit.
- Kamindu Mendis (GT) – Ambidextrous spinner and flexible batter; expand spin options.
- Cameron Green – Premium T20 all-rounder; bat anywhere, bowl hard overs.
- Mitchell Owen – Rising multi-skill profile; strong replacement cameo.
- Ben Stokes – Game-changing all-rounder with leadership impact (if available).
- Ben Duckett – Left-handed top-order engine against spin and pace.
- Jamie Smith – WK-bat with high ceiling and long-term upside.
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Underrated Players to Watch in IPL Auction 2026
The IPL 2026 auction could be a goldmine for franchises seeking hidden gems and cost-effective talent by targeting underrated or emerging players. These players include promising domestic stars, young overseas talents, and IPL benchwarmers who have shown potential but are yet to make a big impact.
Domestic Players to Watch
- Prithvi Shaw – Experienced right-handed batter looking to make a comeback after a strong T20 Mumbai League season.
- Sairaj Patil – Seam-bowling all-rounder with power-hitting ability, recently named Player of the Tournament in T20 Mumbai League.
- Atit Sheth – Versatile top-order batter and right-arm pacer, standout performer in Baroda Premier League 2025.
- Akshat Raghuwanshi – Young, explosive batter with a high strike rate in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League 2025.
- Sayan Ghosh – Right-arm pacer with consistent wicket-taking ability in SMAT 2024-25 and Bengal Pro T20 league.
Young Overseas Talents
- Jacob Duffy (New Zealand), ranked No. 1 in ICC T20I bowling in 2025, offers sharp pace and consistency that many teams could find valuable.
- Matthew Short (Australia), a flexible batting all-rounder who can bat anywhere and bowl off-spin, has gained attention for his impactful performances in franchise leagues and could be a top bargain buy.
- Jordan Cox and Josh Tongue from England have demonstrated strong skills in recent international and franchise games, making them worthy auction targets for teams needing depth in batting and pace bowling.
How to Watch the IPL 2026 Auction Live
Cricket fans can catch the IPL 2026 auction live through multiple streaming platforms. The auction will be streamed live on the official IPL YouTube channel, providing global access for fans to witness all the bidding action in real-time.