IPL 2026 Auction: Date, Players List, Rules & Mini-Auction Preview – sportingnews.com

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
Xaviour Raymond
The IPL 2026 Auction is right around the corner, and excitement is already building across the cricket world. Teams are deep in the pre-auction trade window, reshuffling their squads and hunting for the perfect balance between experience and emerging talent.
This year’s event is a mini-auction, expected to take place on 21st December, 2025 at Mumbai. The retention rules and trade dynamics make this auction one of the most strategic in recent years, setting the stage for another blockbuster IPL season.
After a thrilling 2025 season, franchises are now focusing on fine-tuning their cores rather than rebuilding from scratch. Expect tactical moves, surprise trades, and fierce bidding wars for key players like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and uncapped sensations such as Ashutosh Sharma and Robin Minz.
Explore live odds, predictions, and betting guides in the TSN betting section.

The IPL 2026 mini auction is expected to take place on 21st December 2025 in Mumbai, though the BCCI is yet to make an official announcement. Reports suggest Mumbai remains the frontrunner due to its strong IPL legacy and logistical convenience, while Delhi is being considered as a backup option.
The event will be a one-day mini-auction, marking the start of crucial squad reshuffles ahead of the new season. Fans can expect formal confirmation from the BCCI in the coming weeks.
Phase
Description
Timeline / Notes
Pre-Auction Trade Window
Player swaps and cash deals to rebalance squads
Open now and closes approximately 1 week before the auction
Mini-Auction
Teams fill gaps left after trades
Expected 21st Dec 2025 (unconfirmed); likely in Mumbai
Post-Auction Trade Window
Final squad adjustments and tune-ups
Opens after the auction and closes approximately 1 month before IPL 2026
READ MORE: Cricket Matches Today | IPL 2026 Winner Odds | How to watch Women's Cricket World Cup 2025
The IPL 2026 auction follows a mini-auction format, but with significant updates to retention rules, RTM (Right to Match) cards, and the team salary cap.
Each franchise is allowed to retain or use an RTM card for up to 6 players in total ahead of the auction. These 6 players can include a maximum of 5 capped players (Indian or overseas) and up to 2 uncapped players. The precise mix is at the discretion of the franchise, but these caps ensure squads remain balanced and competitive going into each new season.
The RTM feature allows teams to buy back their own released players at the auction by matching the highest bid placed by another team. For IPL 2026, if a team wants to exercise an RTM, the highest bidder is allowed one final opportunity to raise their offer before the RTM card can be used, making the process more dynamic and competitive. Teams that retain fewer than six players can use the remaining number as RTM options at the auction.
For the IPL 2026 season, the auction purse has been increased to ₹151 crore per franchise, allowing for bigger team investments than previous years. The overall salary structure now includes the auction purse, incremental performance pay, and for the first time, an additional match fee of ₹7.5 lakh per player per game.
The IPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be a high-drama event with several star players released by their franchises, setting the stage for intense bidding wars. Many teams have strategically let go of big names due to considerations around form, injuries, team balance, and salary cap management.
High-Profile Releases:
The IPL 2026 mini-auction promises a mix of confirmed stars, high-profile targets, and under-the-radar talents. Teams are targeting specific roles, from middle-order finishers to versatile all-rounders, while fans can expect a competitive bidding environment.
Confirmed / Probable Players
These players are expected to feature in the auction or have strong trade chatter:
Capped Indian Stars
Uncapped / Emerging Indian Talent
Overseas Stars / All-Rounders
MORE ON BETTING: Top October events | How odds work | How to bet in-play | Best betting apps
The IPL 2026 auction could be a goldmine for franchises seeking hidden gems and cost-effective talent by targeting underrated or emerging players. These players include promising domestic stars, young overseas talents, and IPL benchwarmers who have shown potential but are yet to make a big impact.
Domestic Players to Watch
Young Overseas Talents

Cricket fans can catch the IPL 2026 auction live through multiple streaming platforms. The auction will be streamed live on the official IPL YouTube channel, providing global access for fans to witness all the bidding action in real-time.
Xaviour Raymond leads The Sporting News’ betting content in India and is a content writer with a Master’s in Mass Communication and over two years of experience working with various firms. A passionate sports enthusiast, he focuses on football and cricket content tailored for Indian fans with a sharp eye on detail and opportunities for betting value.

source