The buzz around IPL 2026 has already started and important details about the upcoming auction have started to emerge.
While the next season is still five months away, the teams have quietly started their planning phase as the BCCI and the IPL Board of Governors discuss the final dates.
When is the IPL 2026 auction?
According to reports, the IPL 2026 auction is expected to take place between December 13 and 15. While the schedule is yet to be officially confirmed by the IPL Governing Council, insiders from several franchises have hinted that these are the most likely dates under discussion.
Where will it be held?
After two consecutive auctions abroad – in Dubai (2023) and Jeddah (2024) – the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction is likely to return to India. The final location is yet to be determined, but Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad are among the frontrunners.
Retention period confirmed
Franchises have been given a deadline of November 15 to submit their final list of retained and released players. Most teams are expected to stick with their core groups, but sources suggest CSK, KKR and RR may go for notable reshuffles after sub-par seasons.
Players like Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, David Miller, Akash Deep, Venkatesh Iyer and Mayank Yadav could all be up for grabs, while several others are expected to find themselves in the mini-auction pool.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are likely to retain their successful cores from IPL 2025.
IPL season schedule 2026
The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League will take place from March 14 to May 25, 2026, with 10 teams and 84 matches across India. Each team plays 14 league games (7 home, 7 away), followed by the play-offs.
The play-offs are expected between May 20 and 25, with the final likely to take place in Kolkata or Bengaluru.
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