New Delhi: The player auction for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) is likely to be held in Abu Dhabi, with December 16 emerging as the most probable date, sources told IANS.

Initially, December 14 was proposed as the preferred date by the franchises and shared with the IPL Governing Council. However, sources familiar with the matter indicated on Monday that the auction is now expected to take place on either December 15 or 16.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who claimed their maiden IPL title in 2025 after years of pursuit since the tournament’s inception in 2008, will join the nine other franchises at the event.

The previous two IPL auctions were held overseas, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This time, Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, is set to host the ten teams as they look to strengthen their squads ahead of the upcoming season.

Although discussions were held about hosting the auction in India, with Mumbai and Bengaluru initially considered, Abu Dhabi’s accessibility for overseas coaching and broadcast staff, many of whom will be engaged during the Ashes, reportedly made it the preferred venue. This continues the recent trend of staging IPL auctions abroad.

The deadline for all ten franchises to finalise their player retentions is November 15. Sources also indicated that a potential high-profile trade between five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and 2008 winners Rajasthan Royals (RR) could be completed before or on the retention deadline.

Long-time RR captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is rumoured to be moving to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja could head in the opposite direction as part of the deal. RR are understood to have explored trade options for Samson with multiple teams, including Delhi Capitals (DC), but negotiations reportedly stalled before talks with CSK gathered pace.

It remains unclear whether the Samson–Jadeja deal will be a straightforward swap or include additional players from CSK. Meanwhile, speculation linking Gujarat Titans’ all-rounder Washington Sundar with a move to CSK has cooled after the Ahmedabad-based franchise assured him of regular playing time in IPL 2026.

IANS