The IPL 2026 auction is expected to take place in the second or third week of December, with December 13-15 emerging as the probable dates, according to franchise officials who have spoken with BCCI authorities. However, the Governing Council of the league is yet to finalise the schedule, according to Cricbuzz reports.

Unlike the previous two editions, which were held overseas, Dubai in 2023 and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2024, there is currently no indication that the auction will be hosted abroad. Sources suggest it would not be surprising if the BCCI decides to hold the mini-auction in India, though a final decision is still pending.

What is clear, however, is that the player retention deadline is November 15. By this date, franchises must submit the names of players they intend to release ahead of the auction. No major overhauls are expected across most teams, except possibly from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals, who finished at the bottom of last season’s points table.

Among the players reportedly on the release list are Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and Devon Conway from CSK. The five-time champions will have ₹9.75 crore in their purse following R Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL.

For the Royals, Sanju Samson is likely to top the release list unless the franchise manages a trade for their skipper. There has also been speculation about releasing Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, though the return of Kumar Sangakkara as head coach may influence the decision.

Other players potentially entering the auction pool include T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav, and David Miller, while Venkatesh Iyer, the third most expensive buy at the last auction for ₹23.75 crore, could also be on the move, though no confirmations have emerged yet.

Among the most sought-after names, Cameron Green is expected to generate significant interest. The Australian all-rounder missed the previous auction due to injury but has already attracted attention from multiple franchises ahead of the 2026 auction.