The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction is scheduled to take place between December 13-15, with franchises required to submit their player retention lists by November 15, reports cricbuzzThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently finalizing the exact schedule and location for the auction, which may return to India after being held in Dubai and Jeddah in the previous two editions.Franchise officials who have engaged 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 players to be released before the auction. Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who finished at the bottom of the table last season, are expected to make significant changes to their rosters.Several high-profile players are reportedly being considered for release. These include Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and Devon Conway from Chennai Super Kings. CSK’s purse has already increased by Rs 9.75 crore following R Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL.Rajasthan Royals are facing decisions regarding their captain Sanju Samson, who could be released unless a trade deal is arranged. The franchise was also considering releasing Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, though these plans may change with Kumar Sangakkara’s return as head coach.Other players who might need to seek new franchises include T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav, and David Miller. Venkatesh Iyer, who was the third most expensive purchase at the previous auction at Rs 23.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders, may also be available.Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is emerging as a highly sought-after 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.
