IPL 2026 Retention Rules: How Many Players Can Teams Keep or Release Before the Auction? Key Details Explained
IPL 2026 retention rules explained: Here’s how many players franchises can keep or release before the auction, the official retention deadline, squad size limits, purse rules, and how the IPL trade window works ahead of the upcoming season.
IPL 2026 Auction: How Many Players Can Franchises Retain? All Rules You Must Know
With the Indian Premier League back in the spotlight following a packed international cricket schedule—including India’s tours of England and Australia, and the high-voltage Indo-Pak clash at the Asia Cup—the focus has now shifted to the IPL 2026 season. After Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic maiden title win on June 3, 2025, discussions have moved from performances and standings to one major talking point: player retentions and trades.
As the IPL 2026 player auction, scheduled to be held overseas for the third consecutive year, approaches, all ten franchises are preparing to submit their retention lists. With the deadline just days away, here’s everything you need to know about the official retention rules, the deadline, and how trades will work.
IPL 2026 Retention Deadline
The IPL Governing Council has set 5 PM IST on November 15 as the official deadline for teams to submit their list of retained players.
Although franchises can announce their retentions any time before the cut-off, teams usually wait until the final day—this year is expected to be no different.
How Many Players Can a Franchise Retain for IPL 2026?
Unlike mega auctions—where teams face strict limits on the number of players they can retain—mini auctions come with no cap on retentions.
Teams may:
- Retain as many players as they want from their existing squad
- Release players of their choice
- Ensure their final squad size remains between 18 and 25 players
- Stay within the salary cap of ₹120 crore
This flexibility allows franchises to maintain a stable core while making strategic tweaks ahead of the auction.
Can Teams Trade Players After Announcing Retentions?
Yes. The IPL trading window stays open well beyond the retention deadline.
How the Trade Window Works
- Opens one month after the end of the previous season
- Remains active until one week before the auction
- Reopens after the auction
- Continues for 30 days before the next season begins
However:
Players bought during the auction cannot be traded immediately afterward, as per IPL regulations.
With the retention deadline fast approaching and the auction just weeks away, expect a flurry of announcements as teams shape their squads for a highly anticipated IPL 2026 season.
