IPL 2026 Auction: The countdown to the IPL 2026 Auction has begun, and fans everywhere are gearing up for a big day of bidding and team building. Franchises are already busy during the trade window, working to balance experience with fresh talent before they enter the auction room.
This time, it is a mini-auction scheduled for December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. There were discussions about bringing the event back to India, but the BCCI decided to continue hosting it overseas for the third year in a row due to logistical factors. The last two auctions took place in Dubai in 2023 and Jeddah in 2024.
Since this is a mini-auction, everything will take place in a single day. All 10 teams will try to fill important gaps in their line-ups for IPL 2026. Franchises have until November 15 to submit their final retention lists.
For the third year in succession, the IPL auction is being held outside India, with Abu Dhabi set to host the event in December 2025.
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Auction Timeline
Here is how the process will run around the auction
Pre-Auction Trade Window:
Teams can trade players or complete cash-based transfers to reshape their squads. Currently open and expected to close around one week before the auction.
Mini Auction:
The one-day bidding event, where teams will look to fix remaining weaknesses. December 16, 202,5, in Abu Dhabi.
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Post-Auction Trade Window:
Teams will still have a chance to make final adjustments to squads. This window will open right after the auction and stay active until about a month before IPL 2026.
Rules and Format for IPL 2026 Auction
This mini-auction comes with notable updates, including retention caps, RTM usage, and an increase in salary purse.
Player Retention Rules
Teams can retain or use RTM on a total of six players. Out of these, a maximum of five can be capped players, while up to two uncapped players may also be kept. This model helps teams stay competitive while still encouraging new talent.
Right to Match Rules
The RTM feature allows teams to re-sign a released player by matching the highest bid made by another franchise. For IPL 2026, the highest bidder gets one final shot to increase the bid before the RTM can be applied. If a team retains fewer than six players, the remaining number will convert into RTM options at the auction.
Salary Cap
The purse for each franchise has increased to 151 crore rupees, giving teams extra room to push for high-value signings. Along with auction amounts, players will receive performance bonuses plus an additional match fee of 7.5 lakh rupees per game for the first time.
Underrated Players to Watch Out For In IPL 2026 Auction
This mini-auction could offer huge value to teams willing to spot upcoming talent. Several domestic names, along with young overseas players, may turn out to be smart budget wins.
Promising Indian Picks
• Prithvi Shaw – looking for a strong return after impressive form in the T20 Mumbai League
• Sairaj Patil – seam bowling all-rounder and Player of the Tournament in T20 Mumbai League
• Atit Sheth – top-order batter and right-arm pacer who stood out in the Baroda Premier League 2025
• Akshat Raghuwanshi – aggressive young batter known for his strike rate in MPPL 2025
• Sayan Ghosh – reliable wicket-taker in SMAT 2024-25 and Bengal Pro T20
Young Overseas Talents to Monitor
• Jacob Duffy, New Zealand. Ranked number one in ICC T20I bowling in 2025
• Matthew Short, Australia. Batting all-rounder who also bowls off-spin and has performed well in leagues
• Jordan Cox and Josh Tongue, England. Both have shown strong recent form and bring value in batting and pace
How to Watch the IPL 2026 Auction Live
Viewers can watch the complete IPL Auction 2026 live on the official IPL YouTube channel. Fans from across the world will be able to enjoy every bid in real time with no paywall.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Full List Of 350 Players And Their Base Prices
