The IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to take place between December 13-15, and franchises are required to submit their player retention lists by November 15.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are in the final phase of scheduling the date and location for the auction, which is likely to return to India after being held in Dubai and Jeddah in the previous two editions.

Franchise officials who are in contact with BCCI authorities have revealed that discussions are focused on the mid-December window. Unlike the past two seasons, where the auction was conducted overseas, there are indications that this edition might be held within India.

The retention deadline of November 15 has been confirmed, by which time all franchises must declare their list of released and retained players before the auction.

According to some sources, several high-profile players are reportedly being considered for release.

Players like Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran and Devon Conway are likely to be released by Chennai Super Kings.

The side’s purse has already increased by INR 9.75 crore following Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL.

Meanwhile, the wk-batter Sanju Samson is likely to be released if Rajasthan couldn’t find a suitable trading option for the skipper.

They are also considering the release of Sri Lankan spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, though these plans may change with Kumar Sangakkara’s return as head coach.

Meanwhile, players like T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav and David Miller are likely to find a new franchise during the IPL 2026 auction.

Venkatesh Iyer, who was the third most expensive purchase at the previous auction at INR 23.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders, is likely to be released ahead of the auction.

With several players likely to find new homes, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is emerging as a high-profile player for the upcoming auction. Green, who missed the previous auction due to injury, has already generated interest from multiple teams and is expected to be one of the most contested players during the bidding process.