THE IPL 2026 auction is likely to be held in the second or third week of December, with December 13-15 emerging as the probable window. Franchise officials, who have spoken to the BCCI authorities, have disclosed to Cricbuzz that discussions are centred on those dates, although the Governing Council of the league is yet to firm up the schedule.

Additionally, there is no indication, at this stage, of the auction being taken overseas, as was the case in the last two editions – first in Dubai (2023) and then in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2024). Franchise sources suggest that it would not be a surprise if the BCCI decides to hold the mini-auction in India itself. Again, that decision is yet to be concretised.

What, however, can be said with a fair degree of certainty is that the retention deadline is November 15. By then, franchises will have to submit the names of the players they plan to release ahead of the auction. There are, though, no indications of a large-scale churn, except perhaps from Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who finished at the bottom last season.

Among the players reportedly on the release list are Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and even Devon Conway from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The five-time champions already have INR 9.75 crore added to their purse following R Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL.

At the top of the Royals’ list will be Sanju Samson, unless the franchise manages to pull off a trade for the skipper. There had also been some talk of the Royals’ plans to release their two Sri Lankan spinners – Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana – but with Kumar Sangakkara set for return as head coach, that thinking may well change.

Players such as T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav and David Miller among others, may have to look for new franchises, although there is no confirmation as yet – just as in the case of Venkatesh Iyer, the third most expensive buy at the last auction, picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 23.75 crore.

Going by the buzz among franchises, Cameron Green is expected to be one of the hottest names at the auction. The Australian all-rounder, who missed the previous auction due to injury, has already attracted interest from several teams and he is sure to be hotly pursued. (Cricbuzz)