IPL Auction 2026: Full Schedule, Rules, Team Strategies, and Trade Buzz — All You Need to Know
IPL 2026 Mini-Auction returns to India from Dec 13–15. Teams get ₹151 crore purse each. Check full schedule, retention rules, trade buzz, and top players on the radar.
IPL Auction 2026 Schedule: Date, Time, Rules, Retentions, ₹151 Cr Purse & Team Trade Targets
The countdown has begun for the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction, returning to India after two international editions. With a massive ₹151 crore purse per team, the auction promises high-octane bidding wars, tactical trades, and fresh faces ready to make their mark. From Sanju Samson’s retention talks to Ishan Kishan’s trade rumors, teams are strategizing for a balanced and power-packed lineup.
🏏 IPL Auction 2026 Overview
Category | Details |
Auction Dates | December 13–15, 2025 |
Time | 3:00 PM IST |
Venue | Mumbai, India (Delhi backup) |
Retention Deadline | November 15, 2025 |
Purse Per Team | ₹151 Crore |
New Match Fee | ₹7.5 Lakh per match (in addition to auction price) |
Streaming Platforms | Star Sports, JioCinema, Official IPL YouTube Channel |
The mini-auction follows a busy trade window, where teams are finalizing swaps, cash deals, and strategic retentions.
🔁 IPL 2026 Auction Windows
💰 Retention Rules & Salary Cap
- Retention Limit: Up to 6 players
- 4 capped Indian players
- 2 overseas players
- Optional 2 uncapped players
- Auction Purse: ₹151 crore (up from ₹120 crore in 2025)
- New Payment Model: Players earn both auction price + ₹7.5 lakh per match fee
- Retention Deadline: November 15, 2025
🧾 Team Wishlist & Trade Rumors
🧨 Major Trade Buzz
- Devdutt Padikkal → SRH (from RR, likely all-cash deal)
- Arshdeep Singh → MI (trade under discussion with PBKS)
- Sam Curran → GT (eyeing death-bowling finisher role)
- Shivam Dube → RCB (possible reunion talks)
- Venkatesh Iyer → RCB/SRH (swap with Livingstone being explored)
🔄 IPL 2026 New Rules
Right to Match (RTM): Teams can match the top bid for their released players; one final counter-bid opportunity for the highest bidder.
Salary Cap: ₹151 crore per franchise.
Player Pay Model: Auction price + match fee.
Trade Flexibility: Cash + player swaps allowed until early December.
🌟 Uncapped Players to Watch
🏁 What to Expect
The IPL 2026 Mini-Auction is all about fine-tuning squads, not complete rebuilds. Expect tactical buys, flexible all-rounders, and renewed focus on Indian core balance. The action begins December 13 — stay tuned for live updates, trade confirmations, and top signings.
