The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has started preparations for the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to reports, the IPL 2026 mini auction is expected to take place between December 13 and 15, most likely on December 15, and this time the event will return to India after two years of being held abroad.
In 2023, the auction took place in Dubai, and in 2024 it was hosted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Sources close to the BCCI have revealed that the governing council has already informed franchises about the tentative dates. The retention deadline for all 10 teams has been set for November 15, 2025, by which franchises must submit their lists of retained and released players.
Teams Allowed to Retain Only Six Players
This year auction will not be a mega one — it will follow the mini-auction format. Franchises can retain a maximum of six players, including up to five capped internationals and two uncapped players. Any remaining squad spots will go into the auction pool.
Each team will again have a ₹120 crore purse, with deductions depending on the number of players retained. Retaining one international player will cost ₹18 crore, while the second and third retentions will deduct ₹14 crore and ₹11 crore, respectively. Uncapped player retention will cut ₹4 crore from the purse.
CSK and Rajasthan Expected to Reshuffle
After disappointing performances in IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are expected to make significant changes. Reports suggest that CSK could release senior players like Sam Curran, Devon Conway, and Deepak Hooda, especially after Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, which freed up ₹9.75 crore from their purse.
At Rajasthan, speculation is rife about Sanju Samson’s future, with some reports hinting at a possible trade if things don’t settle internally. The Royals may also part ways with Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, though new coach Kumar Sangakkara could influence that decision.
Elsewhere, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might release Venkatesh Iyer, while Delhi Capitals could move on from Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan. Lucknow Super Giants are also expected to release Mayank Yadav, Aakash Deep, and David Miller to free up funds.
Key Dates and Overview
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Player Retention Deadline | November 15, 2025 | Teams must submit retained and released player lists to BCCI |
| IPL 2026 Mini Auction | December 13–15, 2025 | Expected to be held in India, likely in Kolkata or Bengaluru |
| IPL 2026 Season Start | March 2026 | Season 19 expected to begin in late March |
The upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction may not be massive in scale, but its timing and team strategies could define the future of several franchises. With major decisions around Sanju Samson, Sam Curran, and Devon Conway on the horizon, the cricketing world will have its eyes firmly set on mid-December — when the next big chapter of IPL reshaping begins.
