After two edition overseas, the IPL 2026 Auction is all set to return to India. The upcoming mini auction is set to be held on December 15. While an official venue has not been decided yet, it is likely that it will be hosted in an Indian city.
The last two editions of the IPL auction were abroad. Dubai hosted the IPL 2024 auction, while Jeddah in Saudi Arabia hosted the mega auction last year. With the mini auction being a one-day event, BCCI is reportedly considering a venue in India.
As per Times of India, BCCI have set a November 15 deadline for all 10 franchises to release their retention list. The trade deadline is also set for the same date, even as buzz circles a move for Sanju Samson.
With this being a mini auction, there are no rules for maximum retentions. Franchises can retain as much of their squad as long as it meets the squad requirements. IPL teams can have a squad of up to 25 players, with a cap of 8 on overseas players.
Several big names are expected to be part of the IPL 2026 Auction. Notably, the auction takes place after most of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is played. India's domestic T20 competition kicks off on November 26, with the just one round of Super League matches set after the auction.
The Women's Premier League Auction meanwhile will take place on November 27 in New Delhi. It is the first instance of a mega auction in WPL, with a maximum of 5 retentions allowed to all franchises. Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians opted to hold onto 5 players, while RCB held onto 4. Gujarat Giants retained two players, with UP Warriorz heading into the auction with the biggest budget with just one retention.
