The excitement is building again for the IPL 2026 Auction, which is expected to take place around December 15, 2025. As per early reports, all ten franchises will have to submit their player retention list by November 15, marking the first big step toward another blockbuster IPL season.
IPL 2026 Auction
This year’s auction will be crucial, with a mega reshuffle expected as several big names might go under the hammer once again. Franchises are likely to face tough decisions on which players to retain – especially after two full seasons since the last mega auction.
With teams like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru undergoing transitions, and younger squads like Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans looking to strengthen their cores, the retention strategies will shape the balance of IPL 2026.
Fans can expect intense discussions around who stays and who goes. Will CSK continue with their trusted core? Will RCB go for a complete rebuild? What about the rise of young stars like Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal – can they command record-breaking bids?
One thing is certain – the IPL 2026 Auction promises drama, strategy, and surprises that will once again redefine the future of Indian cricket’s biggest league.
Key Dates (Tentative):
- Retention Deadline: November 15, 2025
- IPL 2026 Auction Date: Around December 15, 2025
Stay tuned with BattingFirst for all the latest updates, retention news, and team analysis as we move closer to the IPL 2026 auction window!
Q: When is the IPL 2026 Auction date?
A: While the exact date is yet to be finalized, the IPL 2026 Mega Auction is expected to take place around December 15, 2025. The official confirmation from the BCCI is awaited.
Q: What is the deadline for teams to submit their list of retained players?
A: All ten IPL franchises must submit their final list of retained and released players by the deadline of November 15, 2025.
Q: Will the IPL 2026 auction be a mega auction or a mini auction?
A: The IPL 2026 auction will be a mega auction. This means teams will be able to retain only a limited number of players (typically 3-4) and will have to rebuild their squads almost from scratch.
Q: What are the expected player retention rules for the IPL 2026 Mega Auction?
A: The official rules are yet to be announced, but a mega auction typically allows each team to retain a maximum of four players. The combination is often three Indian players and one overseas player, or two Indian and two overseas players. The “Right to Match” (RTM) card might also make a comeback.
Q: What will be the total team purse for the IPL 2026 Auction? A: It is widely expected that the team purse will see a significant increase for the mega auction, potentially rising to ₹100 crore or more from the previous ₹95 crore to allow teams to build a new core.
Q: When will we know the official list of retained and released players? A: The official lists of retained and released players from all ten teams will be made public shortly after the retention deadline on November 15, 2025.
Q: Which big players could be released into the IPL 2026 auction pool? A: Due to the limited retention slots in a mega auction, several big names could be released. Star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni’s future with their current teams will be a major talking point, while many other international stars will definitely be in the auction pool.
Q: What is the difference between a mega auction and a mini auction? A: A mega auction, like the one for IPL 2026, is a large-scale reset where teams rebuild their squads from scratch, retaining only 3-4 core players. A mini auction is a smaller, annual event where teams fill a few gaps in their existing squads with a limited purse.
Q: What is the ‘Right to Match’ (RTM) card and will it be used in the IPL 2026 Auction? A: The ‘Right to Match’ (RTM) card allows a franchise to buy back one of their released players by matching the final bid made for them by another team at the auction. While it has been used in past mega auctions, its inclusion for the IPL 2026 auction is yet to be officially confirmed by the BCCI.
Q: How are player base prices determined in the IPL auction? A: Players, in consultation with their agents, set their own base price within brackets provided by the IPL (e.g., ₹2 Crore, ₹1.5 Crore, ₹1 Crore, etc.). This is the minimum price at which bidding for them will start. Uncapped players usually have a lower base price.
Q: Are there different retention rules for capped and uncapped players? A: Generally, the retention rules apply to the total number of players, but franchises often strategize to retain a mix. There might be a specific cap on the number of overseas players (e.g., max 2) but not usually a distinction between capped and uncapped Indian players for the main retention slots.
Q: Which teams will benefit the most from the IPL 2026 Mega Auction? A: Teams that had an underwhelming performance in the last few seasons, like Punjab Kings or Delhi Capitals, will benefit the most. The mega auction gives them a chance to release underperforming, high-cost players and build a new, balanced core from a fresh slate.
Q: Will star players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or MS Dhoni enter the IPL 2026 auction?
A: It is highly unlikely. Franchise icons like Virat Kohli (RCB) and Rohit Sharma (MI) are almost certain to be the first-choice retentions for their respective teams. MS Dhoni’s participation would depend on his decision to play another season, but if he does, CSK will almost certainly retain him.
Q: How will the player retention costs affect a team’s auction purse?
A: The BCCI sets a pre-determined, staggered amount that is deducted from a team’s total purse for each retained player. For example, retaining Player 1 might cost ₹16 Crore, Player 2 might cost ₹12 Crore, and so on, regardless of their actual salary. This ensures teams that retain more players have less money to spend in the auction.
Q: Which types of players will be in high demand in a mega auction?
A: In a mega auction, players with multiple skills are in the highest demand. This includes:
- Indian fast-bowling all-rounders.
- Wicketkeeper-batsmen who can open.
- Mystery spinners.
- Proven Indian capped players who can form the core of a team.
Q: Where will the IPL 2026 Mega Auction be held? A: The venue for the IPL 2026 auction has not been announced yet. In recent years, it has been held in various cities, including Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Dubai. The BCCI will announce the location closer to the event date.
Q: How can I watch the IPL 2026 Auction live? A: The IPL auction is broadcast live on major sports networks. In India, the Star Sports Network is the official television broadcaster, and JioCinema is the official digital streaming partner. You can watch the entire event live on these platforms.
Q: Where can I find the full list of players available for the IPL 2026 Auction? A: The final auction pool, which includes all players who have registered, will be released by the BCCI a few days before the auction date. This list will be available on the official IPL website (iplt20.com) and all major sports news outlets.
