The IPL 2026 mini auction, set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, is approaching fast, and all 10 franchises have now finalised their retained and released players. The November 15 deadline confirmed several big moves, including marquee trades and releases that reshape the auction landscape.
With teams allowed a maximum squad size of 25, including up to eight overseas players, the number of open slots will directly influence each franchise's auction strategy. The updated lists reveal clear gaps and priorities, setting the tone for a competitive mini auction.
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IPL 2026 auction slots after all teams confirmed retentions
Franchises worked actively during the trade window, with Ravindra Jadeja's move from Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals among the biggest changes. CSK brought in Sanju Samson, while Lucknow Super Giants added Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad.
More: MI purse for IPL 2026 mini auction: What is the remaining purse and budget for Mumbai Indians?
Kolkata Knight Riders made headlines by releasing Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell and now hold the largest purse heading into the auction. With all retentions complete, the final squad vacancies are as follows:
IPL 2026 mini auction: Team-wise remaining slots
| Team | Total spots left |
|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | 5 (4 overseas) |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 10 (2 overseas) |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 6 (4 overseas) |
| Punjab Kings | 4 (2 overseas) |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 8 (2 overseas) |
| Delhi Capitals | 8 (5 overseas) |
| Mumbai Indians | 5 (1 overseas) |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 13 (6 overseas) |
| Rajasthan Royals | 9 (1 overseas) |
| Chennai Super Kings | 9 (4 overseas) |
More: CSK purse for IPL 2026 mini auction: What is the remaining purse and budget for Chennai Super Kings?
The number of available slots varies widely, giving some teams more freedom than others. KKR, with 13 vacancies, are expected to be among the most active bidders, while Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans have limited room to reshape their squads.
Overseas slots will be crucial too, especially for Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, who have several spots open in that category. With the auction now around the corner, team strategies will become clearer as franchises aim to fill critical gaps and build balanced squads.
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