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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction is expected to take place in the second or third week of December, with December 13-15 emerging as the most probable window. The franchise officials in discussions with BCCI authorities indicate that these dates are under consideration, although the Governing Council of the league has yet to officially confirm the schedule.
Unlike the last two editions, which saw auctions held overseas, first in Dubai in 2023 and then in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2024, there is currently no indication that the 2026 auction will follow the same pattern. As per Cricbuzz, sources from various franchises suggest it would not be surprising if the BCCI decides to conduct the mini-auction in India itself. However, the final decision is still pending and is expected to be finalised closer to the proposed dates.
What can be said with a fair degree of certainty is that the retention deadline for IPL 2026 is November 15. By this date, franchises must submit the names of players they plan to release ahead of the mini-auction. So far, there are no signs of a major shake-up across teams, except potentially from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), who finished at the bottom last season.
The reports suggest that CSK might release Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, and Devon Conway. The five-time champions already have INR 9.75 crore added to their purse following R Ashwin’s retirement. For RR, Sanju Samson is likely to top the release list unless a trade for the captain is arranged. There had also been speculation about releasing Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, but Kumar Sangakkara’s return as head coach may alter that plan.
Other players who might seek new franchises include T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav, David Miller, and Venkatesh Iyer, though nothing is confirmed yet. Among the most sought-after players for the auction is Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who missed the previous auction due to injury and has already attracted significant interest from several teams.
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