It is reported that the player auction for the 2026 Indian Premier League cricket tournament is likely to be held in the second or third week of December.
Foreign sports media have reported that the auction is likely to be held between December 13-15.
There is no information yet on whether this time the auction will be held in a foreign country like the previous two phases.
In 2023, the auction was held in Dubai, and in 2024 it was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
It is said that this time the auction is likely to be decided to be held in India itself. However, the list of players that each team will retain and release in their squads must be announced by November 15.
Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who finished in the bottom two places last season, are also likely to make major changes to their squads.
There have been reports that players like Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and Devon Conway will be released by Chennai Super Kings.
After R. Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL, Chennai already has a budget of INR 9.75 crores left for player purchases.
Matheesha Pathirana also represents Chennai, and there is no information yet on what decision the Chennai owners will take regarding him. Meanwhile, there were reports that Sanju Samson is likely to leave Rajasthan Royals. There was also talk that the Royals were planning to release Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahish Theekshana. However, foreign sports media have reported that this idea may change with Kumar Sangakkara set to return as head coach.
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