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New Delhi: The next IPL auction is expected to take place in the second or third week of December, with December 13-14 emerging as the most likely window. As reported by Cricbuzz, BCCI officials have confirmed that discussions are currently centred on those dates, although the IPL Governing Council has yet to finalise the schedule.
For now, there is no indication that the 2026 auction will be hosted overseas. After the last two editions were held in Dubai (20203) and Jeddah (20204), the board is reportedly leaning towards bringing the event back to India. While a final decision is pending, sources within the franchises believe a home-based mini auction is the most realistic outcome.
However, what's clear is that the players' retention deadline has been fixed for November 15. By that date, all ten franchises must submit their lists of retained and released players ahead of the auction.
While most teams are expected to retain their core squads, a few big changes could be on the cards, particularly Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, both of whom endured disappointing campaigns last season.
Last year CSK finished near the bottom and are expected to release several players this season including Devon Conway, who missed much of the last season due to injury. The franchise already has ₹9.75 crore added to its purse following R Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals are reportedly weighing up the future of captain Sanju Samson. Though a trade could still be worked out, the uncertainty around his position continues to grow.
There had also been talk of the Royals parting ways with Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana but with Kumar Sangakkara set to return as head coach, that could be reconsidered.
Across the league, several prominent players may find themselves in new colours next season. Those rumoured to be on the release radar are Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, Vijay Shankar and David Miller. T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Mayank Yadav, and Venkatesh Iyer.
Among the likely headline names this time is Cameron Green. The Australian all-rounder, who missed the previous auction due to injury, has already attracted early interest from multiple franchises and is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in December.
With the retention deadline fast approaching and auction discussions heating up, IPL terms are once again entering that time of the year where strategy meets speculation and big money meets ever bigger gambles.
